Braver Steps Occupational Therapy

17/08/2026

Did you hear our Chief Executive, Alison, on BBC Radio Humberside this morning, talking about the problems facing blind and partially sighted people face when accessing healthcare.

The discussion followed the experience of a woman from Bridlington who, despite being registered blind, was told she could only book an emergency dentist appointment online. When she wanted to make a complaint about this, she was told that could only be done via email.

Alison spoke about the duty of healthcare providers to ensure their services are accessible to everyone, including disabled people. Alternative ways of making appointments and raising concerns must be available for those who cannot easily access digital services.

It's vital that experiences like this are reported and escalated. Decision makers cannot address these barriers if they are unaware of them, and real change only happens when issues are brought to light.

If you live in our region and have experienced difficulties accessing healthcare, public services or other organisations because of inaccessible online-only systems, please get in touch with Sight Support HEY. We can help you raise and escalate your concerns, and use your experiences to advocate for more inclusive services for everyone.

Image shows Kofi Smiles, presenter of the BBC Radio Humberside Breakfast Show. Kofi is smiling and wearing a yellow long, sleeved top and is sat in front of a purple and pink background.

12/08/2026

Last month, I completed an accredited Vocational Rehabilitation for Practitioners Course, delivered by Ergocom Ltd and the Vocational Rehabilitation Association.

As an Occupational Therapist, I understand that meaningful work is about so much more than simply having a job. Work can provide a sense of identity, purpose, confidence, routine and independence - and returning to work following illness, injury or disability can be a significant part of someone’s rehabilitation journey.

This training has strengthened my knowledge and skills in supporting individuals to:

🔹 Identify and overcome barriers to employment
🔹 Explore meaningful and realistic vocational pathways
🔹 Analyse transferable skills and identify strengths
🔹 Consider vocational redirection where returning to a previous role may not be possible
🔹 Develop CVs and prepare for job interviews
🔹 Plan and support sustainable return-to-work outcomes

I’m looking forward to building these skills into my practice at Braver Steps Occupational Therapy, supporting clients to work towards their individual vocational goals — whether that means returning to a previous role, exploring new employment opportunities, or taking steps towards meaningful work following illness or injury.

10/08/2026

Happy Monday! I am back to work today after a week off enjoying the beautiful Lake District 😍

31/07/2026

Super proud of my two fabulous OT students, who I have really enjoyed supporting through their placement as their Long Arm Supervisor! They have worked so hard and developed a brilliant, client-centred, vocational rehab focused project that will really benefit the Nourishing People service at People Matters in Leeds. They have really demonstrated the value of Occupational Therapy and I am sure they will both achieve great things in the future 💚

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

Excited to trial some of these with my clients over the next couple of weeks 💚

21/07/2026

'It will be a therapeutic and holistic approach to learning'

07/07/2026

A great article highlighting how people with disabilities can be supported into work, as well as enabling access to other opportunities, through removing barriers to inclusion and providing adaptive equipment and vehicles 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Ben Shepherd, 20, has secured a full-time role at Wilberforce Sixth Form College after the Motability Foundation funded driving lessons in an adapted car, giving him the independence to get to and from work

23/06/2026

Really enjoyed listening to my friend and OT colleague Clare Wayman Occupational Therapy's podcast episode! Clare gives a brilliant insight not only into the Occupational Therapy profession, but also into the realities, benefits and challenges of being self-employed and working in private practice! Well worth a listen 💚

Indie Knaresborough · Episode

19/06/2026

Occupation doesn’t just relate to work. Occupational therapists view all activities we do in daily life as ‘occupations’, therefore we support our clients in increasing their participation in a whole range of things! From bathing and cooking, to sports, holidays and more! The variety is one of the reasons I love this job 💚

Please get in touch if you or someone you know is struggling with managing any occupations - work, home or otherwise - to see how I may be able to support.