All-in-One Occupational Therapy hub

31/03/2026

Whether we are out in the community or working in the clinic, no two days look the same at the neurological center! 🌿💪

The beauty of Occupational Therapy lies in its diversity. We don’t just look at one part of a person; we look at their whole life and what they want to achieve. Here is a snapshot of what "a day at the centre" looked like today:

🏋️‍♂️ Crushing Goals at the Gym
We hit the local gym to focus on strength and conditioning. It’s not just about the reps, it's about building the physical resilience needed for daily transitions and long-term independence.

♿ Mastering the Great Outdoors
Self-propelling a wheelchair over uneven pavement and curbs is a skill! We spent the afternoon outside, honing technique and building the confidence to navigate the community safely and efficiently.

🧘 Finding the Centre
Back at the centre, we worked on sitting posture and core balance. This foundational work is the "behind-the-scenes" hero that makes everything else, like reaching for a cup or typing at a desk possible.

🌬️ The Power of Relaxation
Neuro-rehabilitation is hard work for the brain and body. We wrapped up with a dedicated relaxation session, using sensory techniques and breathwork to manage muscle tone and reduce fatigue.

Gaynor explains that's our role is as diverse as the people we support. Whether it's high-intensity training or quiet mindfulness, if it matters to our clients' quality of life, it matters to us.

24/03/2026

It’s been a busy and incredibly rewarding day here at the neuro rehab centre!
As an Occupational Therapist, there’s nothing quite like the "planning phase", that moment where we sit down, look at the big picture, and set the roadmap for the next chapter of recovery.

Today was all about community, independence, and movement. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what Gaynor has been working on today:

🦾 Fine-Tuning the Upper Limb
We spent a significant portion of the afternoon designing bespoke upper limb programs. Whether it’s regaining the strength to hold a cup or the coordination needed for typing on their mobile phone or laptops, we focus on functional movements that translate directly to daily life. Every repetition is a step toward reclaiming independence.

🗺️ Navigating the Real World
Rehab doesn’t just happen within four walls. We took our self-propelling goals outdoors today! Navigating different terrains, from smooth pavements to cracked sidewalks and grassy slopes, is a vital skill. It’s not just about strength; it’s about the confidence to navigate the community safely and efficiently.

🚐 The Road to Inclusion
One of the highlights of my day was performing a specialist assessment for a client to ride in an accessible van. This is a huge milestone! Ensuring a client can safely and comfortably access transport is the ultimate "key" to the community. It means trips to the shops, visiting family, and getting back to the hobbies they love.
"Independence isn't just about doing things alone; it's about having the right tools and skills to live the life you want."

I’m so proud of the grit and determination I saw from our clients today. Seeing those goals turn into action is exactly why I love what I do!




National Neurological Services - National Care Group

17/03/2026

It’s been a high-energy day working alongside the National Neurological Services - National Care Group! 🩺

Gaynor explains that:
​From the fine details of initial assessments to the practicalities of kitchen and bathing safety, we’ve been busy ensuring every new admission is set up for success.

We’ve also been:
​Conducting vital sit-to-stand assessments ⬆️
​Assisting with safe, seamless discharges 🏠
​Collaborating with the wider team in MDTs 🤝
​It’s all about promoting independence and safety from day one.

Great work to everyone involved!

​

15/03/2026

10/03/2026

🎨 From Old Home to New Beginnings:
Relocating is a huge milestone, but for a stroke survivor, it can also be overwhelming. Our OT, Gaynor, recently used a creative "Scrapbook Method" to help a client navigate her move with confidence and clarity.
This wasn't just about glue and glitter, it was a powerful therapeutic tool used to:
💪 Boost Cognitive Memory: Sorting photos and sequencing the move helps rebuild executive functioning.
💪 Refine Motor Skills: Cutting, sticking, and writing provide excellent practice for hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
💪 Ease Anxiety: By creating a "bridge" between her old home and her new neighborhood, the client felt more grounded and less fearful of the change.
Gaynor’s client now has a beautiful Memory Book that honors her past while acting as a "manual" for her new life. It’s a perfect example of how Occupational Therapy finds creative ways to make daily transitions easier. 🏠✨

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.