Our Occupational Therapy Team Reflect on Learning, Innovation and Impact

In July, our occupational therapists and OTA attended the Posture & Mobility Group (PMG) Conference 2025‚ a leading event for professionals working in posture, seating, and mobility. The conference provided a platform for clinical learning, innovation, and collaboration.  Our team returned with renewed insight and practical strategies to enhance outcomes for individuals with complex physical needs.

Jo’s Thoughts: A Holistic Approach to Postural Care

Jo, one of our senior therapists, emphasised the importance of adopting a 24-hour postural care model‚ a shift that considers not only seating, but also lying and standing positions throughout the day and night.

Even with extensive experience in this field, there’s always more to learn. The conference really reinforced how vital it is to look at postural care across the full 24 hours‚ not just when someone is seated. That shift in thinking helps us make more meaningful, person-centred recommendations.

Jo’s learning has already informed her clinical reasoning, particularly in assessing complex presentations such as high muscle tone, scoliosis, and progressive neurological conditions. She’s also integrating pressure mapping and other advanced tools to support decision-making and prevent pressure injuries. Crucially, Jo is placing greater emphasis on collaborative care, ensuring families and carers are actively involved in assessments and fittings.

Kate’s Highlights: Adaptive Design and AI Integration

Kate was inspired by sessions that showcased real-world innovation and the value of iterative design:

• A case study involving a gentleman who had lost both upper limbs demonstrated how continuous adaptation of hand controls led to a solution that was comfortable, sensitive, and accurate.
• Another session explored AI-driven wheelchair technology, where users could steer using headrests and foot pedals. The system intelligently filtered out accidental movements, responding only to purposeful gestures.

It was a brilliant reminder that trial and error is not just acceptable‚ it’s essential when striving for the perfect fit.

These examples reinforced the importance of personalisation and persistence in achieving optimal outcomes for clients with highly specific mobility needs.

Ciara’s Reflections: Customisation and Cutting-Edge Tech

Ciara was particularly struck by the potential of custom-made seating and the growing role of assistive technology:

The idea that cushions and seating can be personally modified to fit an individual’s specific needs was so interesting. Custom-made seating might be a real option for some people.

It’s amazing to see how technology is helping people gain independence‚ especially those who don’t have hand mobility. Using specialised glasses or head and foot movements to control a power chair is just brilliant.

Translating Learning into Practice

Since returning from PMG, our team has been actively applying what we’ve learned:

• Trialling new equipment with suppliers met at the conference, including adaptable seating systems and pressure-relieving cushions.
• Enhancing assessments with a more holistic, evidence-informed approach.
• Strengthening collaboration with families and carers to ensure interventions are practical, sustainable, and person-centred.

These actions are already making a tangible impact‚ supporting better outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life for the individuals we work with.

Also see:

A Case Study in Custom Wheelchair Adaptation and Innovation

Seating and Posture Assessment

Specialist Wheelchair Assessment

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Bury Accessible Festival 2025

The countdown is on, and we’re so excited to welcome you to this year’s Bury Accessible Festival — just around the corner!

As proud sponsors of the beloved Petting Zoo, KW Therapy is delighted to be back for another year. It’s one of the festival’s cutest and most popular attractions, so don’t be shy — come say hello and meet the animals!

A Festival for Everyone

The Accessible Festival began in 2015 as an initiative to support a struggling disability activity group in Salford. That group survived — and from their resilience, a bigger idea was born: a festival that brings fun, music, and inclusion to the forefront.

Our mission is simple but powerful:
To create a festival where every activity is fully accessible — with zero compromise on joy or experience.

Over the years, the festival has become a cherished annual event for many families, carers, and individuals in the disability community. It’s not just a day out — it’s a celebration of belonging, accessibility, and connection.

🎥 Check out this short video from last year’s festival to see the magic for yourself!

What to Expect

From live music and delicious food to interactive art, inclusive games, and sensory-friendly experiences, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or just looking for a vibrant day out with family and friends, you’ll find it here.

Tickets are only £3 each, so be sure to book yours today to secure your spot!

Help Make It Happen

We’re currently seeking sponsors for various parts of the festival, including:

• Teepees

• Stages

• Activities like Wheels for All, Silent Disco, Massage Tent, Sensory Events, and more

If you or your business would like to support this meaningful event, please reach out.  We’d love to have you on board.

Join us on Sunday, 20th July 2025 for a day where everyone belongs and everyone celebrates — because accessibility should never mean missing out.

See you there!!

Also see:

2024 Accessible Festival photo gallery

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On Thursday 3rd April, Karen and Jo had the privilege of attending Beyond Amputation – From Adversity to Empowerment, a powerful conference hosted by Irwin Mitchell. The event marked the beginning of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

The conference set out to take attendees “on an amputee’s journey — from the aftermath of a serious injury, through managing pain, to finding the right prosthetics and rediscovering the colour in life.“

We caught up with Karen and Jo afterwards to hear their reflections and insights from the day. Here’s what they had to share:

Karen’s Thoughts:

I found the day incredibly valuable. The structure of having expert presentations followed by client stories made the content more relatable and grounded the theory in real-world experiences. It allowed both clinicians and legal professionals to better understand how the insights translate into everyday practice. Ultimately, it reinforced our shared goal as clinicians: to support our clients in enhancing their quality of life and helping them reclaim a fulfilling lifestyle, as much as possible.

Inspirational Stories and Remarkable Resilience

The client stories were truly inspiring, demonstrating remarkable resilience and the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable. However, they also highlighted the ongoing nature of recovery, and the persistent challenges our clients face in striving for independence.

Each individual’s journey is unique—the way they cope, their mindset, and the support systems around them all play a part. I found Jan Smith’s (Psychologist, Healthy You Ltd) talk on psychological trauma especially impactful. It shed light on the far-reaching effects of trauma, such as the loss of identity, changes in relationships, the uncertainty of the future, and the struggle to rebuild a sense of self and purpose. The information gained from Holly King (Physiotherapist, HK Physio) who talked about how we can address the pain amputees suffer to achieve long term empowerment was also very valuable in understanding the complexity around pain following an amputation.

The day served as an important reminder: behind every client is a person navigating a deeply personal and often complex journey. As clinicians, we have a responsibility to offer not just clinical support, but also time, empathy, and space for healing. To enable and empower them to realise that nothing is impossible!

Jo’s Thoughts:

Listening is Essential

Thank you Irwin Mitchell and speakers for a truly inspiring day!

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Headway Central Lancashire Sapphire Ball 2025

Thank you to all of our guests and employees who attended the Headway Central Lancashire Sapphire Ball 2025.  Another hugely successful event that raised £9,000 to help continue the support for adults affected by Brain Injury across Central Lancashire.

Lots of fun was had along the way.  Here are just a few highlights of the evening.

If you or a member of your family has suffered a brain injury and needs some additional support GO TO THE HEADWAY CENTRAL LANCASHIRE WEBSITE.

Also See:

About KW Therapy

Headway Central Lancashire Afternoon Tea

Small Aids can make a Big Difference

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Our OT’s, Kate Shepherd and Mike Ikwuagwu, attended the Irwin Mitchell National Spinal Cord Injury conference in Manchester on 3rd October and were inspired by the speakers. We asked them what their main takeaways were and how they plan to put them into practice.
 

Professor Sam Eldabe shared that..

Chronic stress can bring about changes to pain centres in the brain. Chronic stress generally leads to hyperalgesia i.e. an exacerbation of pain.

“Even after controlling for higher rates of depression, suicide, and opioid use, chronic pain is associated with a lower life expectancy.”

Mike aims to address a clients chronic pain by working closely with the MDT and looking to address stressors directly where possible as well as applying calming techniques and tracking the clients experience of pain and stress to support a better outcome.

Dr Parashar Ramanuj said ….. A meaningful life and a happy life are not linear. Meaning that we need to give meaning back to an individual through our occupations, whether that’s through activities, vocational rehab or voluntary work.

This is something Kate will be putting into practice through ensuring that the client is at the heart and that their wishes, goals and priorities are highlighted and addressed. This could be ‘I want to drive’ and so instead of working on cooking and budgeting which people may think is more important to her, the aim would be to address transfers or access to a car and driving independently. This gives her meaning and thus improves her mood and helps her towards a happy life.  This is the heart of OT work and we should be more conscious of this in our practice.

Inequalities in Accessing Health Services

Kate was sad to lean about the issues clients encounter accessing services and will have more awareness of SCI clients or anyone using a wheelchair when accessing services. It was highlighted that most hospitals and services don’t have any equipment to accommodate clients with disabilities, as some machines need people to stand, most GP’s don’t have height adjustable beds or hoists for full examinations, so there is a high risk that identifying diagnosis can be delayed.

Both Mike and Kate were shocked to learn that 4/5ths of spinal cord injury individuals, will never access a specialist centre. There is a lack of resources and equipment to accommodate those with SCI’s in general hospitals, and charities are reaching to hospitals to help improve care of those with SCI. They are looking at developing a paralysed bowel campaign for those who come into hospital with an SCI. This will ensure that bowel management legislation is in place at all hospitals, including the equipment and skills required to manage the bowels of an individual with a SCI – as this was rated at the biggest medical worry for all SCI clients going into hospital.

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The ACCESSIBLE FESTIVAL returns to Bury Athletics Track after a three-year break.  CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets before they all sell out.

KW Therapy will be there as sponsors of the petting zoo.  Pop by and say hello, we can’t wait to see you there.

1pm to 6pm

Sunday 21st July

Bury Athletics Track

Market Street Bury

BL9 9FX

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Join Phoenix Flyerz for the next session of accessible hockey on Sunday 29th October at Lostock Hall Academy, Todd Lane North, Lostock Hall, Preston PR5 5UR.

Sessions are run by fully qualified hockey coaches and are FREE to attend.

All ages and disability groups are welcome and all equipment is provided.

For more information visit the Phoenix Flyerz Facebook Page or e-mail phoenixflyerz@outlook.com

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Sessions are free of charge and open to all ages and abilities.  All equipment is supplied.

Find out more on the Phoenix Flyerz Facebook Page

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Kart build completed and the countdown to the main event has started.

On 17th September the Phoenix Flyerz team kart will hurtle down the course through Lancaster town to raise awareness of accessible hockey.  Join us for a fun-filled family day out.

Sunday 17th September 2023

FREE TO ATTEND

Racing down Williamson Park from Ashton Memorial

Event Schedule

11:00 – Official event opening procession
11:15 – Racing Starts
13:30 – 14.30 – Lunch Break Enjoy live music, check out all our Soapboxes in our Pit area and enjoy some great local food.
14:30-17.00 – Racing resumes
17:00 – Final Race for the Top 10 fastest
17:30 – Prize Giving & Awards

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Lostock Hall Academy, Todd Lane North, Lostock Hall, Preston PR5 5UR.

11am to 12pm on Sunday 23rd July. 

We welcome all disability groups, ages and abilities.  All equipment is supplied.  Sessions are run by qualified hockey coaches. And it’s completely free to attend.

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The afternoon kicked-off with a delicious pizza and sandwich buffet, followed by an hysterical game of Play Your Cards Right.  Also on the agenda was bingo, a quiz and an impromptu game of stand up sit down.  There really was something for everyone.

Highlight of the afternoon was the Bake-Off challenge when everyone got chance to show off their culinary skills.  Two ‘celebrity’ guest judges joined us to select their favourites and the Major of Preston came to present the awards.  Judging completed, we all got to eat the cakes, and they really were a treat.

If you enjoy good food, good company and having a laugh we can’t recommend this group enough.

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