The Children and Young Peoples Occupational Therapy Service cover all of Orkney. We are one of the services provided by Orkney Health and Care. This page is a central point that you will find information on what Occupational Therapy is, resources to support your child/young person and how to request OT assistance.
What do Occupational Therapists do?
Occupational therapists enable people to participate in daily life to improve their health and wellbeing. Daily life is made up of many activities (or occupations). Occupations for children and young people may include self-care (getting ready to go out, eating a meal, using the toilet), being productive (going to nursery or school, or volunteering), and leisure (playing with friends or doing hobbies). Occupational therapists help babies, children and young people who may need support and advice if they are not able to do occupations due to a condition, illness, disability, family circumstances, or as a result of changes to their lives as they get older (college of Occupational Therapist Ltd. 2015).
How can I ask for Occupational Therapy assistance?
A Request for Assistance can be made by the young person, parents/carers or a professional (with parental consent) completing the Request for Assistance form. The therapy team will contact the young person/parent/carer in the first instance to discuss the type of support which could be provided. Often there will be signposting to relevant resources at this stage with the child either not requiring Occupational Therapy or being put onto the waiting list for assessment. It is useful to know what strategies and support have been tried prior to the Request for Assistance (see the Advice and Strategies section for ideas to try).
Occupational therapists work in episodes of care which are goal focused. Children are discharged from the service once the episode of care is completed. We can provide advice, signpost to information, assessment, treatment and can recommend equipment. We can work within a range of settings including the home, nurseries, schools, clinics and places that are connected to the child’s goals.
How do I get a Request for Assistance Form?
If you would like to get a request for assistance form please use the link here.
If you are unsure whether a Request for Assistance is required or if Occupational Therapy can help then please contact the OT team at:
Peedie Sea Children’s Centre
Pickaquoy Loan
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1BZ
Tel: 01856885593