Driving Improvement: Implementing Realising Potential

Realising Potential - picture gallery

Showcasing examples of impacts AHPs working to Realising Potential across Scotland are having in promoting service users' energies, creativity, interests and skills

Mosaic group, NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council

Credit: Claire Martin, NHS Borders

This colourful mosaic was started by an occupational therapist and an invidual patient but was augmented by service users from a mosaic group at Galashiels Resource Centre. The group focuses on the potential of purposeful daytime activity and creative arts to support the recovery process.

Creative art group, NHS Fife

Credit: Angela Howard, Whyteman's Brae Hospital, NHS Fife

Spring - Tulips from Amsterdam was created by artists from this group in the Mental Health Occupational Therapy Department at Whyteman's Brae Hospital, Kirkcaldy. The group aims to build people's confidence and increase socialisation.

Gardening and ecology group, NHS Lanarkshire

Credit: Gardening and ecology group, NHS Lanarkshire

People accessing a range of mental health services come together in this group to nurture and enjoy an allotment. Members gain structure to their day, learn practical gardening skills and increase their understanding of food and ecology issues.

"Get Active, Live Active" climbing group, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Credit: Iain Laidlaw, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

The aim of this occupational therapy-led initiative is to challenge fears and anxieties and develop skills in using appropriate techniques to overcome them. It also encourages physical activity, use of community facilities and team-building skills.

"Branching out" walking group, NHS Tayside

Credit: NHS Tayside

A joint venture involving Dundee Community Mental Health Service and the Countryside Rangers from Dundee City Council, "Branching out" promotes members' physical and emotional well-being through countryside walking. It forms part of AHP-led employability and physical activity pathways for service users, who are able to work towards a John Muir Award.

"Adopted station" group, NHS Lanarkshire

Credit: George Simpson, Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner, NHS Lanarkshire

The group created this "Willow Athlete" statue as part of the "adopted train station" initiative supported by Scotrail, Clydesdale Community Initiatives and NHS Lanarkshire to mark the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. The statue was created in a public space at Hamilton West train station, requiring group members to show awareness of social norms and language behaviour and appreciation of health and safety issues.

Fairburn Activity Centre, NHS Highland

Credit: NHS Highland

Participants at a leadership and team-building day developed by AHPs in NHS Highland that built on the philosophy "we can all be leaders in our sphere of influence". The day highlighted the importance of clear communication, leadership, the need to celebrate successes and gathering data on what works to support sustainability.

Walkways at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, NHS Lothian

Credit: Ewen Meldrum, NHS Lothian

Recognising the positive physical and mental health benefits of exposure to green spaces, occupational therapist Heather Spenceley led a project that created a matrix of walkways within the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Heather and her partners created three routes of varying length, taking into account patient, staff and visitors' mobility and fitness capacities.

The walkways project is a great example of how NHS land can be used to support positive health outcomes for staff, patients and visitors, and supports the national "Greening the NHS" Green Exercise Partnership agenda.