The Occupational Therapy Service sponsors and wins AKW Charity Golf Day

Adam Ferry, Lisa Herron and Brian Trotter from The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), are delighted to have won the AKW Golf Day at Houghwood Golf Course and helped raise over £12,000 for the Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).    Brian Trotter, Operations Manager, and Occupational Therapists Adam Ferry and Lisa Herron took on 17 other teams […]

Adam Ferry, Lisa Herron and Brian Trotter from The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), are delighted to have won the AKW Golf Day at Houghwood Golf Course and helped raise over £12,000 for the Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).   

Brian Trotter, Operations Manager, and Occupational Therapists Adam Ferry and Lisa Herron took on 17 other teams around the scenic St. Helens course. Scoring an impressive 94 Stableford points, receiving Prosecco and AKW goody golf bags as prizes.

The day was organised by AKW, a specialist bathroom equipment supplier that is supported by TOTS and its clinical expertise. To support its client and the designated charity for the day, Warrington Disability Partnership, TOTS sponsored one of the holes which added to the overall funding raising total. Dave Thompson WDP CEO was in attendance and thanked everyone involved for helping his charity which is dedicated to improving accessibility and independence for people with disabilities.

Brian thoroughly enjoyed the competition as he explains:

“The day was great, good conditions for golf, warm, dry, no wind. Spectacular views across to Liverpool and the Welsh hills from a steep, demanding golf course. Attendance at the event further demonstrates TOTS’ commitment to AKW as clinical partner, and an appreciation of the responsibilities we have to social value. Thank you to AKW for once again organising a rewarding event; of course we are happy to have won, but more importantly to have helped raise the most donations ever from this event.”

The Occupational Therapy Service brings national housing occupational therapy experience to Housing LIN webinar

Lucy Leonard, occupational therapist (OT) and co-director of The Occupational Therapy Service, has been invited to contribute to the latest Housing LIN webinar and blog, focusing on the latest housing report from The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).  Housing LIN (The Housing Learning and Improvement Network), led by Jeremy Porteous, is a sharing network and consultancy that […]

Lucy Leonard, occupational therapist (OT) and co-director of The Occupational Therapy Service, has been invited to contribute to the latest Housing LIN webinar and blog, focusing on the latest housing report from The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). 

Housing LIN (The Housing Learning and Improvement Network), led by Jeremy Porteous, is a sharing network and consultancy that brings together housing, health and social care professionals. It acts as an educational hub to promote innovative housing solutions that enable elderly people and individuals with disabilities. As part of its latest insight, Housing LIN is placing a spotlight on the recent RCOT ‘Building Health into Homes’ initiative and the ways that OTs can ensure that housing is designed, built and adapted to enable people to live successfully. Lucy will be presenting at the associated webinar and providing expert opinion through a blog.

Housing LIN HAPPI Hour Webinar: 21st July 2026, 4-5pm

‘Building Health into Homes: how occupational therapy can unlock the connection between housing and health’ 

To book a free place at this webinar, visit/register with Housing LIN

Register

Lucy and fellow expert speakers will discuss how the Building Health into Homes resources have been developed and share insights from the project’s strategic report and operational and practitioner toolkits. The webinar agenda is: 

Lucy is delighted to be supporting Housing LIN as she concludes: 

“What matters now is how we translate that strategic ambition into practice. Through our work with the London Borough of Newham, we have seen the value of commissioning occupational therapy upstream to inform planning and inclusive housing design. Through our partnership with AKW, we are also exploring how independent clinical assessment, specification, technical surveying and supply can be brought together to deliver adaptations more promptly and coherently.”

“I am looking forward to joining Housing LIN, RCOT and Foundations, to discuss how occupational therapists can work at both strategic and operational levels to create homes that support health, independence and participation”.

TOTS partnership with AKW delivers editorial highlight in Inclusive Design Magazine

Samantha Shann OT appointed as new Chair of prestigious Elizabeth Casson Trust

Samantha Shann, international occupational therapist (OT) and co-director of The Occupational Therapy Service, is delighted to have been appointed as new Chair of the respected Elizabeth Casson Trust (ECT). The ECT was established by Dr Elizabeth Casson in 1949 to improve OT education and treatment. The Trust works to support and grow the profession by […]

Samantha Shann, international occupational therapist (OT) and co-director of The Occupational Therapy Service, is delighted to have been appointed as new Chair of the respected Elizabeth Casson Trust (ECT).

The ECT was established by Dr Elizabeth Casson in 1949 to improve OT education and treatment. The Trust works to support and grow the profession by supporting the development of occupational therapists and strengthening the evidence base. It honours Dr Casson’s legacy by funding programmes and awarding grants that advance OT practice in the UK and beyond. 

Samantha brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent nearly 30 years championing occupational therapy worldwide. Alongside her leadership work, she has supported students and professionals throughout their careers, encouraging them to develop confidence and reach their potential. 

On her appointment Samantha said:

“I am particularly excited to take on the role because of my admiration for Dr Casson’s vision and determination. In addition, I am motivated by the Trust’s role in supporting professional identity, lifelong learning and collaboration across the occupational therapy community. This is an opportunity to help foster inclusion, encourage creativity and work collaboratively with others to continue developing occupational therapy for the years ahead. I would like to thank Dee Christie, outgoing Chair, for her vision, leadership and her kindness during the transition period.”

Dee Christie commented:

Joining the Elizabeth Casson Trust chair in 2019 has proved to be one of the best things I’ve done in my occupational therapy career. For a small charity it punches well above its weight, dedicated to our founder Dr Elizabeth Cassons vision to furthering occupational therapy. I hope that Samantha has an equally enjoyable and exciting experience as I have as she joins the Trust as Chair. I know she will grasp the opportunities for the profession with dedication, professionalism and determination as that’s what she always does. Good luck Samantha and Enjoy!

More information about the Trust and its work can be found here

TOTS helps Dorset Council enhance defensible practice in accessible housing

Occupational therapists Jacqui Waller and Shelly Fredericks, from The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), have successfully delivered training to Dorset County Council entitled: ‘Balancing Risk, Independence and Resources: Defensible Practice in Housing.’ Local authorities are under growing pressure to deliver timely, cost-effective and legally robust housing adaptation services for residents with mobility needs. To help occupational therapists […]

Occupational therapists Jacqui Waller and Shelly Fredericks, from The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), have successfully delivered training to Dorset County Council entitled: ‘Balancing Risk, Independence and Resources: Defensible Practice in Housing.’

Local authorities are under growing pressure to deliver timely, cost-effective and legally robust housing adaptation services for residents with mobility needs. To help occupational therapists strengthen their assessment and clinical reasoning skills in this specialist area, Jacqui and Shelly recently delivered a comprehensive two-day housing adaptations training programme. Delivered on behalf of TOTS, the programme focused on both adult and paediatric housing adaptations, supporting therapists responsible for assessing residents and recommending practical solutions that promote independence, safety and quality of life.

The training combined real-world case studies with evidence-based occupational therapy practice, covering everything from initial assessments and clinical reasoning through to adaptation recommendations and legislative considerations. Participants explored how to justify recommendations using structured assessment methods, standardised and non-standardised tools and recognised occupational therapy models. 

Sessions also examined the wider legal and professional framework surrounding housing adaptations, including wellbeing legislation, carers’ rights and professional guidance relevant to occupational therapy practice. By applying these principles to realistic scenarios, attendees were able to strengthen their confidence in producing defensible, person-centred recommendations. 

Adam Ferry, Co-Director and Occupational Therapist at The Occupational Therapy Service, said:

“Local authorities are facing increasing demand for housing adaptations, often within very challenging time and budget pressures. Training like this gives occupational therapists the opportunity to strengthen their clinical reasoning, improve consistency in decision-making and ensure recommendations are both evidence-based and defensible. Jacqui and Shelley delivered practical, highly relevant content that can be immediately applied within council services to reduce costs and maximise resources.”

The interactive nature of the training encouraged discussion between therapists with varying levels of experience, helping teams reflect on current practice and develop more consistent approaches to complex cases involving adaptations such as stairlifts, access solutions and environmental modifications. 

Feedback from all attendees was positive with one Team Manager OT saying that one of the most useful parts was: “the discussions around models and strategies to try before doing adaptations, particularly with children with behaviour that challenges.”

In conclusion, Adam added:

“For councils seeking to ensure their housing adaptation assessment and provision is efficient, this training provides a valuable opportunity to equip teams with the specialist knowledge they need to directly benefits both practitioners and residents alike. TOTS can deliver this course to any local authority across the UK or tailor according to relevant objectives and goals.”

TOTS associate blends occupational therapy practice with successful artist career

The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of its associate occupational therapist, Jen Gash, as her concurrent career in art flourishes, supported by her clinical practice.  As an occupational therapist for almost 30 years, Jen has worked across public, private and third-sector settings, building an impressive portfolio of experience in […]

The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of its associate occupational therapist, Jen Gash, as her concurrent career in art flourishes, supported by her clinical practice. 

As an occupational therapist for almost 30 years, Jen has worked across public, private and third-sector settings, building an impressive portfolio of experience in leadership, coaching, facilitation and creative practice. Alongside her work for TOTS, Jen is an award-winning landscape artist, coach and creative writer. The artistic side of her career continues to go from strength-to-strength. Since winning Sky Landscape Artist of the Year in 2018 and painting a commission for the Imperial War Museum, her achievements have continued to accumulate, none more so than in recent months.


So far this year Jen has won an award from the John Richardson Residency, exhibited in Swansea as part of a Neuroexpression event and been involved with the Elizabeth Casson Trust’s landmark exhibition ‘Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy’. ‘Strike A Light’ was the first exhibition of its kind in the UK to explore the history, impact and creative power of occupational therapy. 

Commenting on the exhibition, Jen said:

“Occupational therapy has always been about helping people reconnect with what matters most to them. Creativity can be a powerful way of expressing identity, building confidence and rediscovering possibility. It’s wonderful to see that celebrated through this exhibition.”


Her artistic practice has become increasingly recognised for its expressive and reflective qualities, often drawing on themes of wellbeing, emotion and lived experience. Through painting and creative writing, Jen walks her talk, using principles that sit at the very heart of occupational therapy. “Painting keeps me well. Without painting and more recently writing fiction, I struggle to keep my identity. It’s not just a hobby and I don’t make paintings primarily for selling – it’s so much more than that.”

Jen also recently featured in OT Today magazine


TOTS Co-director, new ECT Chair and international occupational therapist, Samantha Shann, added:

“The Occupational Therapy Service is delighted to see Jen’s continued achievements in art, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside her to support clients in meaningful, innovative and life-changing ways.”

Closomat offers new webinars with CPD from The Occupational Therapy Service

The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) will be working with its valued commercial client, Closomat, to deliver a series of CPD webinars so specialist toilet prescribers can enhance assessment and provision. Closomat is a respected supplier of Wash and Dry Toilets and in partnership with TOTS, will be providing a full year of structured learning until […]

The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) will be working with its valued commercial client, Closomat, to deliver a series of CPD webinars so specialist toilet prescribers can enhance assessment and provision.


Closomat is a respected supplier of Wash and Dry Toilets and in partnership with TOTS, will be providing a full year of structured learning until May 2027. Occupational therapists are being encouraged to secure their free places across the entire series through one registration, or attend individual sessions aligned to their clinical interests.

13+ hours of free CPD

click here to register


Each webinar is led by experienced clinicians from TOTS and designed to support everyday practice, offering practical insight that can be applied directly to real-world casework.

Closomat OT Webinar Programme (until May 2027)

Robin Tuffley, Marketing Manager at Closomat, said:

“We know how challenging it can be for occupational therapists to find time for consistent professional development. This programme is designed to remove those barriers by offering high-quality, relevant CPD in a format that’s easy to commit to. With certificates provided after each session, therapists can clearly evidence their learning while building knowledge that supports better outcomes for the people they work with.”

In addition, occupational therapists can also access a growing library of previously recorded sessions via Closomat’s YouTube channel. Also produced in association with TOTS, these offer further opportunities to expand learning 24/7.

The Occupational Therapy Service to showcase unique services for Case Mangers at CMSUK Conference

The Occupational Therapy Service, a leading independent practice in the UK, will be exhibiting why its services reduce pressures on Case Managers and enhance their client outcomes at CMSUK Conference. Case Management Society (CMSUK) Conference ‘Tomorrow’s World’, 17th & 18th March 2026.St John’s Hotel, 651 Warwick Rd, Solihull. B91 1AT.  The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is one […]

The Occupational Therapy Service, a leading independent practice in the UK, will be exhibiting why its services reduce pressures on Case Managers and enhance their client outcomes at CMSUK Conference.

Case Management Society (CMSUK) Conference ‘Tomorrow’s World’, 17th & 18th March 2026.
St John’s Hotel, 651 Warwick Rd, Solihull. B91 1AT. 

The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is one of the UK’s foremost providers of occupational therapy, delivering clinical expertise for professionals such as case managers, solicitors and insurers. Alongside its case management referral caseload, this well-respected organisation has an exceptional track record in public and private sector consultancy and is a long-standing supporter of CMSUK.

TOTS occupational therapists (OTs) Lisa Herron and Sarah Bethell will be attending the event to answer all questions relating to their clinical practice and how it effectively supports the role of case management.

Lucy Leonard, OT and Director at The Occupational Therapy Service, comments: “At CMSUK, the TOTS team will be listening carefully to case managers to understand their experience of referring to occupational therapy, including what works well and where frustrations can arise. These conversations will help us shape and improve our processes, so we continue to deliver a service that is responsive, effective and valued. We welcome all delegates to come over to our stand to discover the difference TOTS provides to them and their clients.”

Preceding the conference, Lisa and Sarah will also be attending the CMSUK Corporate Round Table. Their presence and input will be adding value to this year’s agenda which is ‘Navigating Therapies: Best Practices for Case Managers and Therapy Providers’. This focused round table session will explore the selection and governance of therapies, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and more. It offers a valuable opportunity for case managers and therapy providers to come together, share best practice and strengthen collaboration to improve service outcomes.

The Occupational Therapy Service reclaims budget  capacity for local authorities 

Through effective proportionate care reviews, The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is delivering high-impact strategies to release social care savings and frontline capacity for several councils across the UK. TOTS is a respected independent occupational therapy service offering a portfolio of clinical and commercial services. A vital part of its remit is supporting local authorities and […]


Through effective proportionate care reviews, The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) is delivering high-impact strategies to release social care savings and frontline capacity for several councils across the UK.

TOTS is a respected independent occupational therapy service offering a portfolio of clinical and commercial services. A vital part of its remit is supporting local authorities and health organisations in ensuring that domiciliary care provided is proportionate to the person’s needs. All public sector bodies are facing unprecedented financial challenges in adult social care with escalating costs and rising demand for domiciliary and Continuing Healthcare  packages. A recent survey* found 9 in 10 directors of adult social care in England have been forced to overspend to meet their Care Act statutory duties, with home care packages being a primary driver of this pressure.

Financial strain is being compounded by significant healthcare system-wide challenges.  An ageing population is driving demand for more complex care, while historic care packages often remain unchanged, locking vital care capacity into inefficient provision. This creates a cascade of issues including longer waiting lists and severe delays in hospital discharges. Nationally, around 14,000 hospital beds per day are occupied by patients who are medically fit to leave but are awaiting social care. The reassignment of community care to these individuals is critical in resolving the current model which is unsustainable.

Adam Ferry, OT and Director of The Occupational Therapy Service, undertaking proportionate care reviews for county councils

By delivering occupational therapy-led proportionate care reviews, TOTS is ensuring thousands of frontline care hours are appropriately assigned, hospital discharges are expedited, financial savings are implemented and ultimately, local authority resources are more effectively channelled within already stretched budgets. 

Proven results from The Occupational Therapy Service have delivered significant improvements to local authority services. TOTS recently completed a proportionate care review for a city council which produced the following results:

Adam Ferry, Director and OT for TOTS comments: “Aside from the financial savings we deliver, our approach is first and foremost person-centred. It promotes a strengths-based,  High Impact Change model that maximises dignity and independence.  By ensuring care is proportionate to need, often through the introduction of the right equipment and handling techniques, we ensure residents can live successfully with lower risk. This not only delivers significant system efficiencies but also increases the quality of care delivered and often the length of each care call, helping the person and their carer to build strong, trusting relationships.”

Adam continues: “By expertly reviewing existing care packages, we consistently deliver significant savings that can be reinvested into other priority areas. This approach has a track record of success across the UK. For example, in one project, 60% of relevant cases were safely converted from double-handed to single-handed care, dramatically increasing capacity. In another confidential council partnership, a single complex package review we designed and implemented has created 50 extra care hours per week within the system. 

In conclusion Adam says: ” The Occupational Therapy Service will continue to unlock a sustainable future for adult health and social care through a targeted focus on proportionate care. Our work always aligns with core principles of the Care Act, ensuring resources deliver more wellbeing, choice and interdependence for vulnerable individuals – an outcome we are proud to facilitate.”

The Occupational Therapy Service Supporting WFOT Congress 2026

The 9th February marks the start of WFOT Congress 2026 and it’s no secret that this particular event has more relevance to The Occupational Therapy Service than others have done in the past, for two reasons. The Congress is our Director Samantha Shann’s last event as WFOT President and we could not be prouder of […]

The 9th February marks the start of WFOT Congress 2026 and it’s no secret that this particular event has more relevance to The Occupational Therapy Service than others have done in the past, for two reasons.

The Congress is our Director Samantha Shann’s last event as WFOT President and we could not be prouder of what she has achieved.  Her passion, care, compassion and drive has ensured that despite one of the most challenging tenures due to geopolitics in modern history, she has driven and inspired change across the globe.

WFOT President and TOTS Director Samantha Shann

The theme for WFOT Congress 2026 is ‘Inspiring Change, Innovating Futures’ and this strongly resonates with The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS).

In his WFOT Congress welcome, Ritchard Ledgerd states that the theme “signifies our (WFOT) commitment to embracing new opportunities in our profession and exploring innovative strategies that lead us forward.”

TOTS values directly align with this commitment, with a focus on ensuring our interventions are robustly evidence informed, innovative, person – led, ultimately enabling interdependence.   Indeed, our tag line is ‘inspiring meaningful change’, further highlighting the synergy.

The 2026 WFOT Congress lanyard featuring sponsors The Occupational Therapy Service. Made from recycled materials supporting sustainability in line with WFOT and TOTS values.

It is for this reason that TOTS made the decision to provide sponsorship to WFOT Congress 2026 for the first time, and therefore all delegates will be wearing a collaborative WFOT and TOTS lanyard during the event.  Selecting the lanyards as sponsorship ensures that not only is the brand visible, but poignant in that all delegates will wear the logos of the two organisations into which Samantha has invested so much of her time.

In addition, TOTS chose to provide lanyards made from recycled materials proving their commitment to sustainability in line with WFOT values

We are proud to be associated with WFOT and it’s values, wishing all a successful and safe congress.

The Occupational Therapy Service successfully delivers academic guidance at UWE

Leading UK company The Occupational Therapy Service, sponsored by Clos-o-Mat, has delivered engaging education to student OTs at The University of the West of England. As part of its multi-faceted portfolio, The Occupational Therapy Service provides comprehensive training solutions that cater for diverse audiences. From practising professionals requiring CPD to apprentices seeking fundamental learning, it has […]

Leading UK company The Occupational Therapy Service, sponsored by Clos-o-Mat, has delivered engaging education to student OTs at The University of the West of England.

As part of its multi-faceted portfolio, The Occupational Therapy Service provides comprehensive training solutions that cater for diverse audiences. From practising professionals requiring CPD to apprentices seeking fundamental learning, it has the capabilities to deliver quality education. 

At its latest training session, The Occupational Therapy Service was invited to teach student OTs at The University of the West of England, Bristol. The two days of lectures covered housing related topics such as bathroom occupations, anthropometrics and economics as well as legislation and guidance. 

Lucy Leonard, OT and Director of The Occupational Therapy Service, presenting at The University of the West of England.

Lucy Leonard, occupational therapist and company director, delivered the educational module leveraging her 26 years of experience in the field. Her insightful teaching combined theory and real-life examples, with the students having the opportunity to evaluate their own homes and campus for accessibility, risks and hazards. 

On completion of the two days, Lucy summarised by saying: “It was a rewarding experience teaching students at UWE as they were fully engaged throughout. We received excellent interaction and feedback. Many students said they found my content thought provoking in terms of how OT makes a difference in today’s challenging community situations. They left enthused and with vocational knowledge vital for future career development. We thank the University for facilitating the opportunity and appreciate sponsorship from Clos-o-Mat, the specialist toilet manufacturer and one of our commercial clients, who made the lectures possible.”

2025: The Occupational Therapy Service achieves most successful outcomes ever.

The Occupational Therapy Service, a leading independent practice, experienced its most productive year ever in 2025 with associate therapists delivering more meaningful change than ever before. Led by the three directors and eminent occupational therapists, Samantha Shann, Lucy Leonard and Adam Ferry, The Occupational Therapy Service continues to deliver exceptional service across several disciplines. As […]

The Occupational Therapy Service, a leading independent practice, experienced its most productive year ever in 2025 with associate therapists delivering more meaningful change than ever before.

Led by the three directors and eminent occupational therapists, Samantha Shann, Lucy Leonard and Adam Ferry, The Occupational Therapy Service continues to deliver exceptional service across several disciplines. As plans roll out in 2026, reflecting on the successes of 2025 is helping shape future strategies for The Occupational Therapy Service – ultimately ensuring clients receive the most value, whether clinically or commercially.

In terms of highlights from last year, Samantha says: “Maintaining OCN London accreditation was a key success for us and our clients in 2025. This commitment to quality educational services has been epitomised by the stronger partnership we have forged with Foundations. As the national body for HIAs, we have supported this organisation by consistently delivering highly popular Level 4 Trusted Assessors courses that leverage our expertise in home adaptations. Internationally, my role as President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists has involved promotion and development of the profession with local occupational therapists and governments. This work continues to offer remarkable insights into global practises and how these can be used to improve service delivery back here in the UK.”

Adam adds to these achievements by continuing: “2025 was our strongest year in terms of commercial client work. We delivered CPD to over 1,500 therapists through our relationships with manufacturer and distributor partners. Plus, our team reaffirmed its commitment to The OT Show as educational partner and conference developers. From a local authority point of view, our associates delivered ROI on multiple levels such as our proportionate care reviews. With one council, we have saved the organisation £1.4m per annum and put back 60,000+ hours of care back into the system. These types of results are always how we measure success – it is not about us; it is about our clients.”

Lucy agrees with her co-directors that 2025 produced the most prolific number of results ever for clients of The Occupational Therapy Service. She concludes by saying: “Reflecting on the past is always crucial for the future. As we begin 2026 this review exercise has highlighted our core strengths and underlined our reputation for occupational therapy excellence. From delivering National Independent Advisory Services to shaping Housing and Design Policies, our ever-expanding network of associates has proven its worth. Partnerships have been strengthened across health, social care and the voluntary sector with the latter providing great emotional reward personally. Equally satisfying has been our hosting of educational webinars and seminars with a focus on evidence-informed practice. This content has gone even further with contributions to national Government research – once again showcasing the trust significant organisations place in us.”