Occupational therapy

Who can use the service

Occupational therapists work with people who's learning disability affects their ability to:

• perform daily activities
• develop skills
• take part in activities

We will work with you to make sure: 

• you have choices about your day
• you can enjoy a range of activities
• activities are adapted to meet your needs

We can help you do the things that you need or want to do. We can help you learn new skills.

How occupational therapy can help

Taking part in activities

We understand how important it is for you to take part in activities that are meaningful and how this benefits your health and wellbeing. We work with you to find out which activities are important to you. We do this by:

• understanding how you engage with the world
• develop your skills to help you take part
• understanding any differences you have with sensory processing
• teaching other people about how best to include you

Skills development

We help you develop or learn new skills. We can help with skills that you think are important, such as:

• help you learn how to cook your meals
• help you understand how to use money
• help with your personal care such as learning how to brush your teeth, having a bath or shower
• teach you how to use public transport
• help you learn how to stay safe when you are out

Learning disabilities and dementia

We carry out assessments to help diagnose dementia.

We work with you and the people who support you. We'll assess and make recommendations to keep you active and involved, keeping your skills for as long as possible.

We offer training to families and carers to help them understand dementia and the changing needs of people with dementia.

Eating and drinking difficulties

We can help you become more independent with your eating and drinking. This may be by: 

• providing advice to improve your position while eating
• helping you with equipment that helps you to eat and drink more independently including specialist utensils, cups, plates and bowls
• changing your mealtime environment

Education and training

We provide training and advice to people who support you.

How to get an appointment

We see people living in Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark and registered with a GP in these boroughs.

You can:

• self-refer to the occupational therapy service, or
• ask someone to refer you

Changing or cancelling your appointment

• Lewisham team phone: 020 3989 0550
• Lambeth and Southwark team phone: 020 3049 7518

During your appointment

Your appointment will be in your home or another place in the community. 

We work with other professionals to make sure your learning disability needs are understood. We can also help make sure you get specialist occupational therapy if you need it.

When we arrange the appointment with you, we will discuss what you can expect and what you may need.

After your appointment

We will arrange any follow up appointments if you need any.