Exploring foundations for life
Welcome to the Exploring Foundations for Life group.
Here you can find out about the group, what to expect and how we can work together.
Our intention of the group is:
- To empower people to recognise and overcome barriers that get in the way of living a fulfilling and meaningful life
- To create opportunities for connection and belonging within your community
- To support people to gain a greater understanding of who they are and what is important to them
- To enable people who have experienced trauma to rebuild a sense of control over their life
- To build hope that life can look and feel different
- We want to always ensure that everything we do is done with you, not to you.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people to identify the things they want and need to do in their lives, identify areas where people need to develop skills and assess how the environment helps or makes it difficult for people to achieve their goals.
What will we focus on?
- to feel confident in making life changes
- to build confidence in being in social situations and group activities
- to support you to develop a better sense of self
- to reduce social isolation
- to explore and start participating in activities that are important to you
- to develop planning, problem solving, communication and goal setting skills
- to encourage connection with others and be part of a group of people with similar interests or experiences
- to improve the balance of activities that make up day to day routines
Getting started
The Occupational Therapy (OT) team offers a group programme alongside 1:1 sessions based on your individual needs.
When you first meet us, we will spend a few sessions getting to know each other and working together to understand your personal needs and wants, and what might be getting in the way.
We will explore what is important in your life and support you to work towards achievable goals that are important to you.
What is the group progamme?
The OT group programme offers 20 session split into three phases.
In phase 1 (weeks 1-8) we will work with you on a 1:1 basis to get to know you and explore how Occupational Therapy can help you. We will also identify any potential barriers that there may be to attending group and problem solve these with you.
During the group “theory phase” (weeks 9-14), we will introduce a range of occupational and lifestyle topics. Each session we will explore a different area that encourages you to develop a better understanding of yourself and support positive lifestyle changes.
During the “explore phase” (weeks 15-20) the sessions are aimed at discovering creative, social, and physical activities in the community that promote your wellbeing and connection. These sessions will be chosen with the groups interests at the heart. Some sessions will be led by guest speakers who run community groups on MS teams and others will be facilitated face to face in the local community.
We will then offer two follow up sessions 1 and 2 months after the group finishes to support you to continue you your journey exploring activities and interests in your community and consider whether you need any further help to continue to achieve this with support from other teams.
Group Therapy sessions
- Understanding what is important to us
- How do we reach our goals
- Developing a meaningful routine
- Recognising barriers and problem solving
- Communicating our needs confidently
- Putting what we’ve learnt all together
How does the group run?
The group is facilitated by at least one Occupational Therapist. The group consists of 6 theory sessions and 6 explore sessions.
The theory group runs from 10am until 11.30am each Wednesday morning via MS Teams.
There will be a short refreshment break part way through all group sessions facilitated on MS Teams.
The explore sessions will be a mix of MS Teams and face to face visits- these will all be confirmed with plenty of notice. These sessions offer one off insight into each activity in a safe and supported way. They offer an opportunity of what the community has to offer.
What we ask of participants
- Respect the confidentiality of all group members
- To have some motivation, willingness, and commitment to explore change
- To participate in the sessions to the best of your ability. We are aware this will be different for each individual.
- Let us know if you are unable to attend group
- Please do not attend the group intoxicated. We will welcome you back the following week.
What you can expect from us
- To offer a consistent and reliable group programme and 1:1 support
- To inform you at the earliest possible opportunity if we need to cancel or make changes the group programme
- To create a fun, non-judgemental and welcoming environment where everyone’s individuality is respected and celebrated.
