News

16^th July 2010 - OT Workshop

15 interested Occupational Therapists visited New Leaf on 16^th July to learn more of our role in Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services. After an introduction by Beriah Chandoo (Senior Membership Officer, College of Occupational Therapists), Don Crispin (New Leaf Manager) explained the work of New Leaf and its partner organisation WorkWays (www.workways.org.uk). Visitors then had a chance to visit each department in turn (Clothing Works, Carpentry, Print and Horticulture), meet the teams and turn their hand to something practical. At the end of the afternoon, there was a chance to sample the tasty work of the catering department while chatting to staff, other Occupational Therapists etc.

We enjoyed meeting you all and hope you are using your newly printed bags!

Here are some the comments we have received about the Study Day:

"Fantastic afternoon (well worth giving up a half-days leave)... Very informative and inspiring staff"
"A fantastic resource..."
"Really enjoyed the day. Provided me with an excellent insight in to vocational rahab..."

Kim Hewett

22^nd to 24^th June 2010 - College of Occupational Therapists’ Annual Conference

Clothing Works presented a stand in the Exhibition Hall at the College of Occupational Therapists’ Annual Conference in Brighton. Thanks to everyone who came along and chatted to us about our role in Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services – it’s always interesting to find out what’s happening in other parts of the country. If anyone would like to know more about our work, or arrange a visit, please feel free to get in touch.

A big ‘thank you’ to the College of Occupational Therapists for their continued support – an excellent example of collaborative working.

Some of you will be visiting us on 16^th July for an OT study day and we look forward to meeting you.

Kim Hewett

1 June 2010 - Conference Preparations

We have printed the stewards' T-shirts for the College of Occupational Therapists' Annual Conference and are now getting ourselves ready for the big event.

We will be on Stand 61 in the Exhibition Hall, so please come along and introduce yourself if you would like to see our garments, or chat to us about our work in Mental Health Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Kim Hewett

30 March 2010 - New Recruits

Two more people are beginning a placement at Clothing Works this week. The first is working with us to develop his social skills and confidence by helping with our website and printing. The second is also looking to develop her confidence, but she has opted to learn the financial procedures in using SAGE, producing invoices etc.

Your continued support of Clothing Works has enabled us to offer these additional placements and continue our work within Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Kim Hewett

4 March 2010 - Trip to the College of Occupational Therapists, London.

Don and I travelled to London to meet with our colleagues at the College of Occupational Therapists. Clothing Works has been working closely with the College since 1999 and the meeting was a chance to provide another update on our progress and look at developing further links, for the benefit of people using our Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Occupational Therapists around the world.

Many excellent ideas arose from the meeting, so watch this space for further updates as they develop further. Hopefully, they will lead to us being able to provide further placements in Clothing Works and other New Leaf departments.

At the kind invitation of the College, we will once again be attending their Annual Conference, this year in Brighton from 22nd – 24th June. Maybe we will see you there?

If you would like to chat to us about any aspect of our Vocational Rehabilitation Services, or arrange a visit, please email enquiries@clothing-works.co.uk or phone 01392 829063.

Kim Hewett