Here are some brief descriptions of the roles of AHPs employed within SHSC:

Art therapists

Art therapists offer psychological therapies which are not solely reliant on verbal communication. Art-making and creative, sensory and engaging approaches are used to assist people to explore and express feelings, emotions, and distress in a safe, contained therapeutic space. Some art therapists are based at Netherthorpe House and others are employed by specific services such as on the acute mental health wards or in community rehabilitation teams such as CERT.

Dietitians

Dietitians understand the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health and the impact on physical health. Their intervention helps to manage dietary concerns that are related to a person’s mental health conditions.  At SHSC dietitians provide cover across inpatient services and the Eating Disorders service.

Music therapists

Music therapists offer psychological therapies which use the innate qualities of music, musical instruments and the voice to explore and express feelings and emotions. They help people to use music-making to explore and connect with the world and express themselves. We only have two music therapists, based at Forest Close and Endcliffe ward.

Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists have expertise in rehabilitation, enabling people to recover their independence and participation in everyday life activities (occupations) which hold personal importance and meaning. They are dual trained in mental and physical healthcare at the pre-registration level. Occupational therapists are the largest group of AHP staff at SHSC, they often link up with other services such as Sheffield Flourish to provide joined up group opportunities such as the Open Door Music and Brunsmeer Awareness Football groups. Occupational therapists can also provide a range of specific assessments and vocational interventions.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists provide preventative health interventions, physiotherapeutic treatment and individualised exercise/rehabilitation programs to optimise wellbeing, promote independence, functional movement and physical activity.  At SHSC physiotherapists cover inpatient areas, learning disability and long term neurological conditions. There are also several fitness instructors who are trained to provide tailored physical exercise sessions and promote activity on our inpatient units.

Speech and language therapists

Speech and language therapists have expertise in enabling people to understand the nature and impact of their communication difficulties to help them participate in decisions about their care and engage in psychological therapies to support recovery. They support people with swallowing problems who are at risk of aspiration and choking. Speech and language therapists at SHSC have vital roles within long term neurological conditions, learning disability and inpatient services.