Get To Know Occupational Therapist, Lisa Westhorpe

Hi Lisa! Tell us about your role here at Sport for Confidence... 

 

'I am an Occupational Therapist/Project Facilitator within the Sport for Confidence National Team. My role involves developing and co-producing a virtual learning hub (basically – where we keep all our amazing resources) to ensure physical activity is embedded within occupational therapy practice and education. This will be used by occupational therapy students, and in time, by occupational therapists, coaches, and other healthcare professionals and organisations. I’m also involved in promoting the work Sport for Confidence does through our MovingOTs social media channels.' 

 

How long have you worked at Sport for Confidence? 

 

'Around 8 months. I work part time, and mostly virtually, for Sport for Confidence, and I also have a part time NHS role.' 

 

What was your previous role? 

 

'I’ve done a lot of different things! I’ve worked as a support worker for people with learning disabilities, a rehab assistant, and as a qualified occupational therapist in acute hospitals, community residential care, community physical health, and schools. I worked as a school based occupational therapist in the USA for seven years, and also started my own maternal health occupational therapy business, Nurture OT, while I lived in the USA.' 

 

Why did you want to join Sport for Confidence? 

 

'I saw Lyndsey Barrett’s (founder of Sport for Confidence) plenary at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference in June 2022, and knew that I wanted to connect with her, and learn more about Sport for Confidence and how I could support their mission. After talking to Lyndsey and Liz (co-lead for the National Team) I knew that I wanted to support the organisation as I have a real passion for health promotion, and found Sport for Confidence's work really aligned with my own values.' 

 

What is it like to work for SfC? 

 

'Incredibly inspiring! The team are really supportive and we know we’re doing work that makes a difference. I’m not involved in delivery of physical activity sessions (Sport for Confidence places occupational therapists and coaches into leisure centres to support access to physical activity), but I have the opportunity to be involved on a more strategic level, influencing occupational therapy education and practice to include physical activity, and supporting OTs of the future.' 

 

What is the best thing about working for Sport for Confidence? 

 

'Working with amazing, likeminded Occupational Therapists and coaches who are passionate about tackling inequality through physical activity!' 

 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role with Sport for Confidence? 

 

'Do it! SfC is great organisation to work for. If you’re looking for role where you really feel like you’re making a difference every day, Sport for Confidence is for you.'