All-in-One Occupational Therapy hub

09/03/2026

Come on ladies get down there, get fit and build a great team/social life 💪💪💪

Ready to get on the pitch? Join the Ashton Valkyries T1 team now!

Our T1 Touch Rugby crew has been putting in the hard work since September, and now we’re ready for the best part — game time! We are officially looking to lock in some fixtures before the end of the season, and we want YOU to be part of the squad. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never even touched a rugby ball, there’s a spot for you here.

No experience needed: We’ll teach you the basics.

Great fitness: A high-energy way to get your cardio in.

Zero pressure: We’re a social, welcoming group focused on fun and improvement.

Join us at 7pm on Wednesday evenings at the club. Drop a comment below or send us a DM if you’re interested in coming down this week!

03/03/2026

Who says OT can’t be a "hole-in-one"?
Using mini golf to assess a client’s sitting balance is one of our favorite functional tools!

To make that perfect putt from a seated position, a client needs more than just a good aim—they need a rock-solid core.

What we’re looking for:
Weight Shifting: Can they lean into the swing without tipping?
Rotation: Does the trunk twist smoothly, or is the movement stiff?
Proximal Stability: A steady core = steady hands for the win! 🏆

Why it matters:
If you can manage your balance while focused on a game, you’re much more likely to stay safe during daily tasks like getting dressed or reaching into a cupboard.

Stability starts at the center! 🏌️‍♂️

02/03/2026

This March, we’re celebrating the "unstoppable do" of the Cerebral Palsy community.
As OTs, we’re proud to provide the hacks, tech, and advocacy to help our clients lead the way. Happy CP Awareness Month! 🟢✨
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01/03/2026

Goodbye winter, hello growth! 🌷
​March is all about fresh starts and brighter days. We’re celebrating the return of the sun and the boost it gives to our well-being and productivity.
​Wishing you all a month of blooming possibilities! 🐝✨

27/02/2026

It has been an incredibly productive week for our team! our OTs have been on the move, making things happen and helping our clients reach their potential.

​Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to:
​📋 New Beginnings: Meeting new faces and conducting initial assessments for our latest referrals.

​✍️ The Fine Print: Writing bespoke intervention plans and reviewing goals to ensure everyone is on the right track.

​✨ Big Achievements: Celebrating some truly exciting milestones and "wins" with our wonderful clients.

​🏠 On the Road: Balancing sessions to meet our clients where they are.

​We aren’t quite finished yet we have more clients to see today to wrap up the week on a high note! 👍

​Once the final session is done, it’s time for a well-deserved rest for the whole team. We’re already looking forward to next week to do it all over again.
​Wishing all our clients and followers a restful and happy weekend! ☕️✨

26/02/2026

Small steps, huge milestones! 🪜
For the past 18 months, one young man we support hasn't been able to access the ground floor of his home. Today, that started to change.
Our OT Gaynor, working in incredible partnership with L'Arche, joined forces with a dedicated support worker to help him tackle the stairs. It’s not just about the physical move; it’s about building the confidence to reclaim his space.
The result? He made it halfway down before heading back up! 👣 This is a massive win and the perfect foundation for next week, where we’ll go a little further. We’re so proud of the bravery shown today.

24/02/2026

National Neurological Services - National Care Group
I was just thinking about this the other day, and I really wanted to share how proud I am to be part of the team at Ashbrook Neurology Services. 🧠❤️
Honestly, I feel so privileged to walk through those doors every day. It isn’t just about the work; it’s about the incredible residents we help care for, they inspire me constantly with their resilience and spirit.
And I couldn't do it without your fantastic team. Having such a supportive, dedicated group of colleagues makes all the difference. It truly feels like a family working toward the same goal of providing the best care possible. So grateful to be where I am!
Gaynor Spencer OT.

19/02/2026

Beyond the Threshold: A Special Breakthrough in Preston 💙

​After three years of staying within the comfort of his bedroom, one of the incredible young men at L’Arche Preston took a brave step into the world today.
​Our OT, Gaynor, has been working patiently to build trust and safety. Today, that hard work culminated in a transformative water therapy session. For someone who has struggled with the idea of personal care and leaving their safe space, the sensory peace of water can be a total game changer.
​This isn't just about a swim; it’s about building the confidence to eventually manage his own personal care and reclaiming a life outside four walls. We are so proud of this huge milestone!
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17/02/2026

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: A Milestone Moment in Rehab
Recovery isn't just about the big goals; it’s about the grit it takes to reach them.
Today, we witnessed one of those "stop-everything-and-cheer" moments that reminds us exactly why we do what we do.

Our incredible client, who has been navigating the long road of recovery following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), reached a milestone that once felt worlds away. Since her accident, she hasn’t been able to stand, until today.

The Power of the Team
It took a village to make this happen. Under the guidance of our very own Gaynor (OT), and with the seamless collaboration of the Physiotherapy team and a Rehab Coach, we created a safe, supportive environment for her to test her limits.
Gaynor’s approach, combined with the team's physical support, provided the perfect safety net for this breakthrough.

We would have been incredibly proud of her just for having the courage to try. Standing after such a long time is as much a mental hurdle as it is a physical one. But she didn’t just try, she soared.
💪 The Achievement: She stood 5 separate times.
💪 The Duration: Each hold lasted a few seconds.
💪 The Result: Pure, unadulterated elation.

A Note from Gaynor!
"Watching her find her footing again was a moment of pure magic. As an OT, you work toward these goals for months, but seeing the sheer determination in her eyes today was something else entirely. She didn't just meet our expectations; she blew them out of the water. She is a true 'superwoman,' and I feel so privileged to be part of her journey."

Seeing her face light up as she realised she was upright was a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. We are so honored to be part of her recovery and can't wait to see what she conquers next.

Keep going, our OTs are right behind you!







National Neurological Services - National Care Group
100M Followers
Royal College of Occupational Therapists

10/02/2026

Better Together: Gaynor and Gemma Partner with National Neurological Services - National Care Group
At the heart of exceptional care lies collaboration. We are thrilled to tell you about the incredible work our Occupational Therapists, Gaynor and Gemma, are doing in their ongoing partnership with National Care Group.
By blending clinical expertise with a passion for person-centered support, they are helping to redefine what "independence" looks like for the individuals we serve.

Bridging Clinical Excellence and Creative Marketing:
Gaynor and Gemma haven’t just been working behind the scenes; they’ve been front and center, helping National Care Group showcase the real-world impact of rehabilitation.

Through their work with the marketing team, they’ve helped translate complex clinical practices into relatable, inspiring stories. By highlighting specialised OT resources from sensory equipment to adaptive daily living tools, they are showing families and stakeholders exactly how tailored environments can foster growth.

Hands-On Therapy that Makes a Difference:
Theory is great, but Gaynor and Gemma shine brightest during hands-on therapy sessions. Their approach is grounded in the belief that every person has unique potential.
💪 Group Activities: They’ve designed and led dynamic group sessions that focus on social integration, motor skills, and confidence building. These sessions create a sense of community while meeting collective therapeutic goals.
💪 One-to-One Support: For more specific needs, their 1:1 sessions provide a deep dive into personalised care. Whether it’s mastering a new life skill or managing sensory processing, Gaynor and Gemma provide the steady, expert guidance needed for individuals to thrive.

"Our goal is to make the ‘everyday’ achievable. Seeing the pride on a client's face when they master a task independently, that’s why we do what we do." Gaynor & Gemma

Looking Ahead:
The partnership between our OTs and National Care Group is a testament to what happens when clinical skill meets a dedicated support network. We are incredibly proud of the energy Gaynor and Gemma bring to this collaboration and look forward to seeing even more milestones reached.

09/02/2026

From Rehab to Real Life! 🏠✨

We’re excited to share that Gaynor one of our OTs is currently in the "Meet and Greet" phase with a potential new client at STEPS Rehabilitation in Sheffield!
For us, the work starts before they even leave the facility. We’re sitting down to chat about:
💪 The Big Goals: What matters most to them?
💪 The Transition: How we can bridge the gap between STEPS and home.
💪 The Plan: Tailoring our OT support to make their return to home life as smooth and independent as possible.

We love the incredible work done at STEPS, and we can’t wait to help bring those rehab gains into the real world. Watch this space! 🚀

05/02/2026

Small Steps, Big Wins: A Breakthrough Story at L'Arche
At its heart, Occupational Therapy (OT) isn’t just about exercises or equipment; it’s about reclaiming the joy of living. For the last few weeks, our OT, Gaynor, has been witnessing a beautiful transformation alongside the wonderful team at L'Arche.
Working with a young gentleman who navigates life with learning disabilities and autism, the goal was simple but profound: to help him feel safe enough to rejoin the world outside his bedroom walls.

For three years, this young man found comfort and security almost exclusively within his bedroom. Breaking that cycle requires immense trust, patience, and a bit of rhythm.
Gaynor has been working closely with him, and the progress has been nothing short of inspiring:

💪 The Power of Play: He is now regularly coming into the lounge to dance with Gaynor, using movement as a bridge to connect with others.

💪 A Seat at the Table: After three years of isolation, he is now eating his snacks at the dining table. This shift from a private space to a communal one is a massive milestone in social confidence.

What’s Next?
Making a Splash💦
Progress is a journey, and Gaynor is already looking toward the next horizon. To build on this momentum, the next goal is introducing therapeutic water play.
Water play serves a dual purpose:
💦 Sensory Integration: It provides a calming, tactile experience that helps regulate the nervous system.
💦 Building Bridges to Care: By making water "fun" and non-threatening through play, we are laying the vital groundwork to eventually encourage independent personal care.

Gaynor explains that we are so proud of the bravery shown by this young man and the dedicated support from the L'Arche community. It’s a powerful reminder that with the right support, no one is ever "stuck", there is always a path back to the dance floor.

What a lovely compliment for Occupational Therapist - Gaynor Spencer it makes us sit back and remember this us why we do what we do ❤️

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L'Arche Manchester