Libby Pannett-Smith
Libby's end to end cycle to double the 'Positivity Pot'at Marlborough House
Fundraising for Oxford Health Charity
Story
I work as an occupational therapist at Marlborough House adolescent inpatient mental health unit, Swindon, and over the last year we have seen a significant increase in our referrals.
I work with a dedicated and hard-working team, and we are keen to provide a sensory room to expand the therapy space available for the young people we work with, particularly those with autism and complex mental health needs.
Sensory rooms are calming safe spaces and can assist with teaching coping strategies, helping with organisation and communication. They offer a range of tactile, visual, scented and interactive activities to engage with. This may include bubble tubes, bean bags, music, textured walls and therapy balls.
Part of my work involves supporting the young people to set personal goals to aid recovery. During lockdown, I thought I should practice what I preach! I read a book by a lady who cycled from John O’ Groats to Lands’ End and this gave me the nudge to (nervously) commit to doing this also.
I bought a bike, have started training with a fantastic club, cycle to work and plan to start my journey of 1000 miles at Lands End, on August 7th. I plan to keep a blog so you can follow my journey if you are interested.
Any money raised will go Oxford Health Charity’s ‘Positivity Pot’ fund ( aptly named by our young people) to support the Sensory Room project.
Your support is very much appreciated
I am also very grateful to Banjos Cycles in Newbury for their great service, advice and support with kit.