bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy

SUCCESS STORIES

Sept 2021 Inclusive therapy for all

bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy

Stirling

bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy was established in 2017. The charity works with adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to improve their quality of life by providing specialist occupational interventions, trampoline rebound therapy and activity-based play sessions. Their activities are open to people of all ages and the charity operates from its premises in Stirling, where they have a therapy room, sensory equipment, play items and activity resources. It estimated that bOunceT support around 100 families every year.

In 2020, bOunceT was awarded £2,500.00 from the Essentia Foundation to support their ‘Weekend Well being and Independence Project’. Grant monies were used to support staff costs for additional weekend attendants. The Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be particularly challenging for children and adults with disabilities, and their families. Many carers have expressed a feeling of isolation and a lack of support due to lock-down restrictions. The sessions offered during the weekend allowed individuals with disabilities, and their family/carers, to engage in fun, inclusive therapy and play that will improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. As an important and often vital lifeline for many families, bOunceT has remained open throughout the pandemic and many health and safety measures have been put in place so as to ensure the wellbeing of all service users.

Thanks to the support from the Essentia Foundation, the recruitment of new weekend staff has led to increased service provision and has ensured that families on the bOunceT waiting list have been able to access the help they need. For many parents, weekend play sessions have provided some much-needed respite and relaxation. For the children participating, the play sessions have offered a safe space in which they can express themselves as well an opportunity to increase their strength and physicality with the help of trained staff.