Overview
A first for both OCS and the Trust, our bread making classes, an initiative conceived by Leigh Ashley, OCS Contract Manager, and planned and implemented in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team from the Trust, have gone down a treat.
OCS and the forensic occupational therapy & rehab team worked together to ensure this could be delivered effectively within each part of the forensic services. Following a full risk assessment and development of a bespoke lesson plan, Leigh ran separate sessions for three patient groups (Male and Female Medium Secure patients, and a Low Secure unit). Our first session took place in July 2022.
Putting our customers and their service users first
We wanted to enhance service user experience by providing a fun interactive way of understanding the science behind food aroma, taste, texture and quality. The bread making sessions were aimed for those not self-catering and focused on sensory elements for those who enjoy cooking within a supported environment
We worked in partnership to create the right conditions and build an environment of trust between OCS, Occupational Therapy and service users. This was key to enabling us to work safely and supportively in the secure forensic environment where there is potential for some volatility.
Assessing risk and keeping health and safety at the fore
Aware of the potential risks, it was imperative that we designed this event with the safety of everyone involved in mind. We collaborated closely with the lead OTs to develop a risk assessment and subsequently took this to TRAD (therapies review) for approval.
We pooled the expertise of the OCS chefs in bread making with that of the Trust OT team to design baking sessions that engaged the five senses through the activity, with hands-on experiences. This included a lot of tactile, olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) opportunities which supported the Occupational Therapists within their clinical assessments.
An initiative with a lasting legacy
With participation from Service Users, Occupational Therapy, Trust Facilities Management and OCS on the day, feedback on the event was unanimously positive. Breadmaking is now a bi-annual event, alternating between the three units.
There was so much excitement around the sessions from both staff and service users alike and so many more want to do it. I know the Service Directors and OT team really appreciated the arrangement. Great initiative!
Facilities Manager
West London NHS Trust