Empowering Futures: The Role of Occupational Therapy at YMCA North Tyneside

At YMCA North Tyneside, our core mission is to empower young people to build a better future.

That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Gemma Wright, our new Occupational Therapist (OT)! Gemma’s role is a fantastic step forward in providing holistic, person-centred support to our residents.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is fundamentally all about function and purposeful activity. When we use the word “occupation,” we’re not just talking about a job—we mean any activity that fills our time and gives our lives meaning.

OTs help people overcome challenges so they can participate in the things they want and need to do every day. These activities fall into three key areas:

• Self-care: Daily routines like cooking, getting dressed, or managing money.
• Productivity: Working towards a goal, such as education, training, volunteering, or finding employment.
• Leisure: Enjoying hobbies, socialising, or sports.

The ultimate goal is to enable individuals to participate in these chosen occupations to the best of their ability.

Why is This Vital for YMCA Residents?

For young people in our supported accommodation, developing independent living skills is a critical step toward a successful transition out of our services. Our residents often face complex challenges, which can make everyday tasks difficult. This is where Gemma steps in.

Gemma’s approach is to provide support that is highly individualised:

• Functional Assessment: Gemma will look closely at how a resident is managing daily life, considering the person, their environment, and the task itself. For example, a young person’s anxiety might make using a shared kitchen to cook a meal overwhelming.
• Skill Building and Coaching: By working one-to-one, Gemma can teach and practice essential life skills, like creating a structured daily routine or breaking down complex tasks (like applying for a job) into smaller, manageable steps.
• Environmental Adaptations: Sometimes, a simple change can make a big difference! This could involve suggesting better storage or even creating a quiet, sensory space in their room to make it more functional.

Goal Setting: Most importantly, Gemma collaborates with residents to set meaningful, achievable goals that are focused on what they want to do, ensuring they are truly person-centred.

Supporting Our Staff to Support Our Residents

Gemma’s expertise is also an invaluable resource for our wider staff team. She offers:

• Clinical Oversight: She can provide a clinical lens to challenging situations, helping staff understand the “why” behind a resident’s behaviours from a functional perspective.
• Practical Strategies: Gemma will share simple, practical strategies, like using a visual checklist to help a resident with their morning routine, making it easier for staff to support independence in daily interactions.

We are committed to helping every resident gain the skills and confidence they need for a bright and self-sufficient future. With Gemma’s support, we are adding another powerful tool to help our young people successfully move forward.