Through the Looking Glass
I have been a support worker for over twelve years now and throughout this time I have often worked alongside occupational therapists. When I was invited to join the Heads Up team as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, I was so excited to be a part of the work I saw them do. I have met so many incredible, inspiring people, both clients and colleagues, and have seen first-hand just how much work goes on behind the scenes when helping a client to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
I am currently dividing my time between both roles and by doing this I feel I get the best of both worlds; on one hand, I get to be a part of the early stages of a person’s rehabilitation, working with them on a variety of goals and projects. This has opened my eyes to exciting activities and resources that are available in the local community and has highlighted opportunities to collaborate with other organisations, who have so much to offer, and the potential prospects are really exciting. Whether it be educational, voluntary, workplace opportunities, personal hobbies or bucket-list holidays, I am able to be a part of a really lovely process which is ultimately, to help people to achieve what they want.
In my other role, as a Support Worker, I have seen first-hand just what is achievable for a person living with a long-term disability. I have been lucky enough to support my clients on some amazing adventures and witnessed how the strategies and recommendations of a wider team of therapists work to assist a person in their independence. When certain therapeutic elements are implemented, the long-term benefits, achievements and progress is undeniable, and I love being able to see that put into practice.
I feel really grateful to be able to see both sides of the spectrum, the early stages of therapeutic intervention and the long-term progress of someone who has been putting these into practice for so many years. As part of someone’s support team and as part of an occupational therapy team I see just how closely the two roles are linked and how important it is for both to work collaboratively. It has been rewarding, insightful and incredibly humbling to witness the work of my colleagues in both roles, and the progress and achievements of my clients in both as well. Whatever the differences, or similarities of both jobs, I know that, ultimately, the goal of each is to help a client in whatever it is they wish to achieve and being a part of that, in any capacity, is a very special thing.
