Occupational therapy a great support for children and young people's wellbeing

Occupational therapy can support children and young people to learn, play and thrive; promoting their independence skills so they can reach their full potential.

Since June 2021, Jane Ritchie has worked with children, young people and their families as the Children and Young People's Occupational Therapist for NHS Ayrshire & Arran in East Ayrshire. 

"Occupations for children include all the things they need and want to do on a daily basis, like getting dressed, eating, playing, and participating in nursery or school. The purpose of my role is to provide universal and targeted support for children and young people, focusing on their mental health and wellbeing needs from an occupational therapy perspective."

Supporting school staff to help children thrive

Jane is currently working with children and young people living in Sunnyside, Montgomery and Benrig children's houses, using sensory resources to support them with emotional and behavioural regulation skills, and has developed training materials for staff to give them further information on sensory processing. 

She also visits primary schools within East Ayrshire, focusing mainly on children aged 4-5:

"I have created a mental health and wellbeing interactive discussion targeted at this age group and have already worked within Dunlop, Whatriggs and Catrine primary schools. I am planning to link with other schools within East Ayrshire to continue to roll this work out.

I also work with secondary school inclusion hubs to support staff, encouraging them to think about how the environment and its sensory inputs impact the young people they're working with. To this end I provide training for staff in relation to sensory processing and self-regulation."

In addition, Jane provides in-service training for staff working in education, social work and health regarding mental health and wellbeing, and where OT skills can add value for the people they are working with.

A children and young person's occupational therapy advice line was launched in November last year, providing an opportunity for people to speak with an occupational therapist about any OT specific concerns they may have for a child or young person (e.g. concerns a child may be struggling to engage in leisure/social activities or school work, to maintain personal hygiene or feed/dress themselves).

The child or young person doesn’t need to have been in touch with or referred to the team before, and the service is open to anyone with a concern. The line is open every Thursday between 2pm and 4pm.

You can contact the advice line on 07584 174110 or via email.