Healthcare professional delivers inspirational talk to students

As part of Occupational Therapy Week, a Paediatric therapist visited Walsall College to deliver a talk to Health and Social Care students about different types of care within the care sector.

Anthony Warwick, an Occupational Therapist from the Child Development Centre Walsall NHS Trust, gave students an in-depth presentation on what occupational therapy is.

Following the talk, Level 3 students took part in activities that relate to a typical day in the life of an occupational therapist within the community.

Anthony also spoke to students about his 5-year career, which began when he joined the NHS as an Occupational Therapy technician. He spoke about what his job entails, from meetings to assessments during home visits, school visits and one-to-one interventions.

Spearheaded by The Royal College, Occupational Therapy Week is an annual celebration of the profession, commending occupational therapists around the world for their hard work and dedication. It is also an opportunity for other people who have benefited from occupational therapy to talk about the difference it has made to their lives.

Sarah, a 17-year-old Health and Social Care student, said: “I really enjoyed the session. I found the presentation, activities and real life stories fascinating. It was good to know that a career in Occupational Therapy is varied, which means that no two days are the same.”

Jasmine, 18, said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the practical element of the presentation. Anthony gave real life scenarios that an occupational therapist will experience. I learnt about the different aids and equipment used to help users gain their independence, and that service users have their own individual needs.

I have also learnt so much about the Occupational Therapy services that involves children as well as adults. I now plan to research into OT services as a possible career.”

Wendy Byron, Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care, said: “The session was a great opportunity for our students to learn about one of the varied and rewarding roles within the Health and Care Sector.

Students are currently studying Physiological Disorders, so the timing of the presentation linked perfectly to their studies. As a college, we are always keen to emphasis the skills students will need to develop in order to find employment within the industry they wish to enter.

Effective communication and empathy are essential parts of the role, whether professionals are liaising with colleagues, multi-agency teams, service user or carers. Anthony demonstrated this well during his presentation, and our students have already developed this skill through college and their own experiences.”

Walsall College offer Health and Social Care courses at Levels 2 and 3. To find out more, take a look at our V6 Couse Guide, which can be picked up from either of the college’s campuses or downloaded online.

For more information about enrolling on a course at Walsall College, please call 01922 657000.