Occupational Therapy

Colour is an interesting subject, guaranteed to get everyone talking and doing, and is ideal for engaging people from all walks of life. Community collaboration initiatives have included talks, training, taster sessions and workshops to improve occupation and well-being for the following individuals and groups in Northmptonshire, UK.

Age UK Northamptonshire: community groups countywide.

Arts and Health practitioners: international see http://www3.northampton.ac.uk/artsandhealth/(2012)

Carers Association.

Homestart: supporting families with children under 5.

Irish community groups.

Nursing undergraduates.

Older adults.

Older adults with physical and mental health problems: NCC.

Older adults with physical and mental health problems: 10 week course, NCC.

Sikh community.

Social services staff

Visually impaired community groups.

Young adults.

Young mums.

Sessions are designed specifically to enhance occupation and well-being and tailored to individual requirements.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Colour my Well-being International Conference, 2012

Photos from the Colour my Well-being International Conference, 2012, hosted by the University of Northampton and in association with the Journal of Applied Arts & Health.

Left to right, some of the committee members and keynote speakers; Sue Griffiths, Dr Ross Prior, Dr Andreas Edelmann, Neil Harbisson, Vanessa Volpe and Jane Mills.

Colour for Well-being workshop, facilitated by Vanessa Volpe.

Sarah Gillard (left), contemporary artist and arts workshop facilitator, exploring and explaining her perception of colour well-being to other delegates during the workshop.

The publication below introduces theoretical background, session outlines and Learner outcomes following colour for well-being intervention.

Parkes, J. H. and Volpe, V. (2012), ‘Colour for well-being: Exploring adult learners’ responses to utilizing colour as a therapeutic tool’, Journal of Applied Arts & Health 3: 3, pp. 275-293, doi: 10.1386/jaah.3.3.275_1

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Role emerging occupational therapy.

In collaboration with the University of Northampton since 2007, developing and supervising role emerging occupational therapy undergraduates in non-profit, charity and primary care.

For an informal discussion about using colour for well-being in your work place, collaborative working, evidence based practice and engaging communities please get in touch.

Checked: Enhanced CRB (now DBS):

Member: British Association of Occupational Therapists, maintaining ethics, professional conduct and quality standards for registered occupational therapists.

Member: Health and Care Professions Council, regulatory body for allied health professionals in the UK.

Member: The Colour Group (GB)

“Knowledge about life is one thing; effective occupation of a place in life, with its dynamic currents passing through your being, is another.”
― William James.

Contact Page

Testimonials

“I have been seeing Vanessa for 1:1
appointments for the last year and have found
them very beneficial. Vanessa is very
supportive and understanding and when I have
needed additional help she has assisted me in
sourcing it. I feel very comfortable opening up
to her as I know she is non judgmental and
has a gentle approach”.

– Anne

“I feel so relaxed now.”

– Client

“I’m not sure what you did, but I’ve felt different
all week, able to manage, the stress has gone.
I just came back to say thank you.”

– Teacher

“I had the privilege to work with Vanessa for three years…during which time she brought a new level to exploring person centered care, she challenged the old established practices, her creative ideas and concepts were light years ahead, and ultimately of great benefit to many people in the social care sector, I would recommend her enthusiastic professional services”

Jenny Cotton-Howells (Northamptonshire Charity Manager)

Role emerging occupational therapy 2012: Supervision.

While on practice placement I was fortunate to have Vanessa for my professional supervision. My supervision was a time I looked forward to and became an invaluable part of my learning experience. Through nurturing my strengths and challenging my decisions Vanessa provided me with the opportunity me to strive and grow. Her encouraging approach allowed me to develop my professional and therapeutic skills. Vanessa’s ability to actively listen combined with her empathy and understanding encouraged me to develop my potential further than I had imagined. Through this supervision I felt myself grow both professionally and personally, and I gained the opportunity to develop into a more confident practitioner.

Supervision with Vanessa Volpe provided an empowering experience, and I continue to develop using the practical advice and professional standards that I learnt through that experience.

Margaret Clinton

Occupational Therapist (BSc HONS)