Lancaster Children's Occupational Therapy

Lancaster Children's Occupational Therapy page for the NHS UHMB Community Children’s Occupational Therapy Service.

27/04/2026

🌈💬 Young People’s Safe Space – The PropUp Project 💬🌈
Are you a young person looking for somewhere safe and welcoming to spend time?
The PropUp Project offers relaxed spaces where you can get out of the four walls, meet others, and just be yourself. There’s no pressure — you can simply come along and choose how you want to spend your time.
☕ Grab a brew
💬 Have a chat
🪑 Sit and relax
📚 Use the resources available
🤝 Connect with others your age
👥 Who is it for?
✨ Young people aged 13–19
✨ Young adults aged 20–25
📍 Where & When
🌈 Thursday evenings at The Rainbow Centre
⛪ Last Monday of every month at Church of the Ascension
These sessions are designed to be a safe, supportive space to talk, relax, and connect with others. 💛
📞 For more information and to discuss joining our group:
📱 07568 937988
📧 propupproject@gmail.com
✨ A friendly place, supportive people, and space to just be you. 🌟

Now that primary school places have been announced 🎒✨We’re now in that “getting ready for primary school” phase, and try...
27/04/2026

Now that primary school places have been announced 🎒✨

We’re now in that “getting ready for primary school” phase, and trying to focus on confidence over academics:

✨ Practising simple routines (mornings, bedtime, getting dressed)🧥👟 Encouraging independence – shoes, coats, toilet, handwashing🗣️ Talking about school in a positive, reassuring way📚 Reading together every day🤝 Practising social skills like sharing, taking turns, asking for help🎒 Letting them choose their bag/lunchbox to build excitement

It’s such a big milestone—equal parts excitement and nerves (for children and parents 😅)

If anyone needs extra support or ideas, these are really helpful resources:🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/starting-school/🔗 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/starting-primary-school/🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people

As a parent, you don’t always realise how important accessible facilities are… until you need them. 💙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦For many fam...
13/04/2026

As a parent, you don’t always realise how important accessible facilities are… until you need them. 💙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
For many families with disabled children, standard toilets simply aren’t enough. That’s where Changing Places toilets make a life-changing difference. ♿✨
These facilities provide: ✔️ A height-adjustable changing bench 🛏️
✔️ A hoist 🔄
✔️ Plenty of space for carers 👩‍👦
✔️ A safe, dignified environment 🫶
Without them, simple trips out—shopping 🛍️, days out 🎡, even appointments 🏥—can become stressful or impossible.
Every child deserves dignity. Every family deserves the freedom to go out without worry. 💛
If you’re a parent, ally, or just someone who cares—please support the push for more Changing Places toilets in public spaces. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. 🙌
Find out more or locate a facility near you: https://www.changing-places.org/ 🌍

📚✨ Supporting Children Through Exam Stress ✨📚Exam stress is a real and ongoing challenge for many children and young peo...
07/04/2026

📚✨ Supporting Children Through Exam Stress ✨📚
Exam stress is a real and ongoing challenge for many children and young people. It can impact their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing — even making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. 💭💔
During these times, children may struggle to manage their emotions and cope with daily pressures. That’s why it’s so important we recognise what they’re going through and offer the right support. 🤝💙
🎓 The National College has created a helpful guide with 🔟 practical tips to help children manage exam stress and reduce its negative effects.
🌿 Don’t forget the power of the outdoors! Spending just 15–20 minutes a day in nature can: ✨ Reduce stress
😊 Boost mood
🧠 Improve concentration
Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can work wonders in easing anxiety and combating brain fatigue. 🌞🌳
Let’s support our young people to feel calmer, stronger, and more confident during exam season 💪💫

Looking for something to do in the Easter Holidays? 🐣🐰Hop on over to Lune Park Family Hub’s free Easter Fun Day! 🥳
23/03/2026

Looking for something to do in the Easter Holidays? 🐣🐰

Hop on over to Lune Park Family Hub’s free Easter Fun Day! 🥳

📱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Let’s talk about our kids and smartphones.Parents, carers and anyone interested in children’s wellbeing are war...
18/03/2026

📱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Let’s talk about our kids and smartphones.
Parents, carers and anyone interested in children’s wellbeing are warmly invited to a friendly discussion hosted by Smartphone Free Childhood Lancaster.
🗓 Friday 20th March
⏰ 6pm–7pm
📍 The Gregson Centre, Lancaster
This is a relaxed, non-judgemental space to talk about the challenges of smartphones in childhood, share experiences, and think together about how we can support healthier childhoods in a digital world. 💬

Everyone is welcome — feel free to share with other parents and carers in the Lancaster area. 🤝

Getting children involved in chores at home is so much more than just “helping out” — it’s a powerful way to support the...
17/03/2026

Getting children involved in chores at home is so much more than just “helping out” — it’s a powerful way to support their development 💛
🧠 Everyday tasks like tidying toys, setting the table, or getting dressed are building: ✨ Fine & gross motor skills
✨ Coordination
✨ Planning & problem-solving
✨ Independence
💬 Chores also support emotional development by helping children: 🌟 Build confidence
🌟 Develop a sense of responsibility
🌟 Feel valued as part of the family
⏳ Yes, it can take longer… and yes, it can get messy! But giving children the time and space to try is where the real learning happens.
🌱 Think of chores as part of their “daily therapy” — small, meaningful activities that build lifelong skills.
✔️ Start small
✔️ Keep it age-appropriate
✔️ Celebrate effort over perfection
You’re not just getting through the to-do list…
You’re supporting your child’s development every single day 💕

✏️ Pre-Writing Shapes: The Foundation for HandwritingBefore children write letters, they need to master pre-writing shap...
02/03/2026

✏️ Pre-Writing Shapes: The Foundation for Handwriting

Before children write letters, they need to master pre-writing shapes. These early strokes build fine motor control, visual-motor integration, motor planning, and pencil control — all essential for legible, efficient handwriting.

Developmental frameworks influenced by Arnold Gesell outline a general progression:

Vertical line → Horizontal line → Circle → Cross → Square → Diagonals → Triangle → X

These shapes directly support letter formation (e.g., circles for “o,” crosses for “t,” diagonals for “k”).

🛠 OT Tip: Think big before small!

Before expecting success on paper, practice shapes on a larger scale first.

Try:
• Tracing taped shapes on floors or walls with fingers or toys
• Forming shapes with playdough
• Drawing in sand or shaving cream
• Painting shapes with water outdoors
• Using chalk on walls/floors outside or large paper

Build big movements first—then move to paper.

Strong foundations build confident writers 💛

Does your child want to know more about a future career in health services? 💙‘Spill the T’ – T-Level Information Event f...
26/02/2026

Does your child want to know more about a future career in health services? 💙

‘Spill the T’ – T-Level Information Event for Students, Parents/Carers & Educators.

Join the Careers Team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) on Tuesday 24th March 2026 at 7pm for an informative and supportive session all about Health T-Level opportunities.

This is a fantastic chance to:
✨ Learn what Health T-Levels involve
✨ Explore exciting career pathways in the NHS and Social Care
✨ Get expert advice from experienced professionals
✨ Ask questions and plan next steps

Whether your child is already considering a career in healthcare or just starting to explore their options, this session will provide valuable insight and guidance.

Follow the link below, or scan the QR code on the picture below.
https://forms.office.com/e/FgcJcEWyM2

🪑✨ Why good seating matters for kids ✨🪑Let’s talk about something that seems small—but makes a BIG difference 👀👇Good sea...
23/02/2026

🪑✨ Why good seating matters for kids ✨🪑

Let’s talk about something that seems small—but makes a BIG difference 👀👇
Good seating isn’t just about comfort. The way a child sits directly affects their attention, learning, behaviour, and even confidence 📚🧠💪
When children are seated well:
✅ Feet are supported (touching the floor or a footrest 👣)
✅ Hips, knees, and ankles are at comfy right angles 🔺
✅ The table is at the right height for drawing, writing, and eating ✍️🍽️
This kind of setup helps their bodies feel stable and calm, so their brains can focus ✨
Less fidgeting ≠ “being naughty” — it often means their body needs better support 💡
On the flip side, poor seating can lead to:
❌ Slouching and fatigue
❌ Reduced concentration
❌ Avoidance of table-top tasks
❌ Frustration (for kids and parents 😅)
You don’t need fancy furniture 🪑
👉 A box under the feet
👉 A cushion behind the back
👉 Adjusting chair/table height
Small changes = big wins 🌟
If your child struggles to sit, focus, or stay engaged, it might not be motivation… it might be posture and support ❤️

🌙 The Importance of a Bedtime Routine 🌙Bedtime routines are a key part of supporting a child’s regulation, development, ...
11/02/2026

🌙 The Importance of a Bedtime Routine 🌙

Bedtime routines are a key part of supporting a child’s regulation, development, and overall well-being. Consistent routines help children transition from the demands of the day into a calm, restful state, setting the foundation for quality sleep.
🧠 Why bedtime routines matter:
Support nervous system regulation and emotional stability
Increase feelings of safety, predictability, and security
Improve sleep onset and sleep quality
Reduce bedtime stress for both children and caregivers
🛁📖 What an effective bedtime routine includes:
Consistency ⏰: similar timing and sequence each night
Calming activities 🌿: bath, pajamas, quiet play, reading
Connection 💕: shared reading, gentle conversation, cuddles
Low stimulation 🔕: limited screens, noise, and high-energy play
Simplicity ✔️: routines should be realistic and sustainable
From an OT perspective, routines are meaningful daily occupations that shape how children function and self-regulate. A predictable bedtime routine helps the body and brain recognize that it is time to rest, making sleep more accessible and restorative.
🌟 Supporting healthy sleep habits benefits the entire family—better rest leads to improved regulation, learning, and participation in daily life.
Small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact over time.

Address

Moor Lane Mills, Moor Lane
Lancaster
LA11QD

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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