Charities and benevolent funds

Supporting charities to change lives

We work with charities who make grants to support individuals and their families to enable them to lead independent, healthy and fulfilling lives. Our charity clients look to us to help in a variety of ways depending on the needs and goals of the charity and their beneficiaries.

Some charities are looking to assess and provide long term support for individuals, others need us to assess high volumes of grant applications, from simple living aids to major home adaptations, ensuring funds are being used appropriately and effectively. An Occupational Therapy assessment will provide the reassurance of an expert assessment of the holistic needs and risks before making recommendations. We ensure not just immediate needs or equipment/adaptation requests are met, we will account for likely future needs and other factors that may effect the appropriateness or longevity of costly items of equipment and adaptations.

For our charities that make regular referrals to us we will discuss the types of referrals they will be making to ensure we tailor the scope of service accordingly. From over a decade of working closely with charities we have found that generally we see four categories of referrals made to us:

Fixed scope assessments for a simple item(s) of equipment such as an electric scooter
More holistic assessments with recommendation that may include multiple equipment items and/or home adaptations
Assessments for more complex cases with people who have complex and ongoing needs
Support for children with special needs struggling to access EHCP assessments and ongoing provision

We tailor the service to the requirement of the charity to ensure costs are tightly controlled and are relative to the scope of what is required, maximising the use of funds. There is rarely a “one size fits all”, and with our experience of delivering thousands of OT assessments for charities each year, we believe we are well place to help provide guidance on the best and most cost effective approach for introducing Occupational Therapy as essential component to the support you offer your beneficiaries.

A key goal for us, particularly for our charity customers, is to provide exceptional value. With our nationwide team of over 300 Occupational Therapists we are uniquely positioned to work with any charity regardless of whether they have a localised or nationwide demographic. In over 90% of cases travel is included with no extra charge and within the standard cost of the assessment because of the excellent coverage we have across the UK.

One element that is common to all our charity customers is, no matter how large or small or how many referrals they make, they will have an office based manager overseeing their cases as a primary point of contact. Additionally, if we think that an OT assessment is not the right next step or the most effective use of funds, we will say so and do what we can point you in the right direction.

Why The OT Practice?

We understand the importance of prompt, reliable and high quality care. Here are some reasons why your organisation and beneficiaries are in safe hands with us:

Simple, transparent, fixed fees.
An office-based manager as a single point of contact to manage your referrals
A timely service, with no waiting lists
A straightforward online quotation and referral system for one-off cases
Bespoke agreements for larger volumes of ongoing referrals
The largest nationwide network of private occupational therapists in the UK, ensuring we are able to provide expert therapists covering all clinical specialisms who are also local to your clients
A strict selection, interview, registration & checks process for OT Practice therapists to guarantee the highest standard of care
Insured for claims up to £10 million
Clear timescales for delivery of assessment and report services
We have specialist adult and paediatric therapy teams
All reports are checked by our quality assurance teams with clinical oversight
Bespoke case management systems ensuring quality and service levels are maintain regardless of volume
Strict data protection and information governance processes and policies

Lives changed

Ron has lived in his home for over 60 years. Two years ago he had a serious fall down the stairs that significantly affected his mobility. Faced with moving into a care home he spoke to The Royal British Legion to see if they could help him remain at home.

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Watch Ron's story Supported by Royal British Legion

Mr. Ronald “Ron” Lant Royal Army Service Corp - Water Transport Division (1947-50)

Silvia suffered a heavy fall which left her struggling to wash and was unable to access her garden without fear of falling again. Having worked in a bank for over 30 years Silvia contacted the Bank Workers Charity, who organised an occupational therapy assessment. With their help and the OTs recommendations, her home and garden were adapted enabling her to regain her independence.

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Watch Michael & Sylvia's story Supported by Bank Workers Charity

Michael & Sylvia Heard Bank Worker

As David's health deteriorated, he was struggling to cope physically and became socially isolated. Unable to manage simple tasks or leave his home, a friend suggested he contact the Royal British Legion.

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Watch David's story Supported by Royal British Legion

Mr. David Churchur Royal Navy - Torpedo Anti Submarine Operations (1963 - 1974)

Following a traumatic surgery Rosemary was left paralysed from the chest down. Unable to return to her home, life with her husband Phil was turned upside down. With help from the RAF Benevolent Fund and occupational therapy they found and adapted a new home that allowed them a life together.

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Watch Philip & Rosemary's story Supported by Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Rosemary & Philip Bailey Royal Air Force - Senior Air Craftsman (1962-1977)

John had a fall following a deterioration of his health and since then has been struggling with his mobility at home and in the community. With support from the RAF Benevolent Fund, his OT recommended solutions enabling him to be more independent at home and to give him the confidence to get out into the community again.

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Watch John's story Supported by Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Mr. John William Royal Air Force - Air Staff (1954 - 1964)

Services

Individual assessments & reports

We provide assessments with comprehensive reports and recommendations for grant funding, for equipment such as stairlifts or scooters, or for more substantial work towards home adaptations or rehabilitation. Timely and accurate, they include sound clinical reasoning to ensure your beneficiaries' needs are met and funds correctly allocated.

To request a one-off assessment, simply speak to the charities team who will discuss costs and send you a quote by email. You will then be able to complete the referral through our simple online referral process.

Complex cases with ongoing treatment

In most cases, an assessment with recommendations is all the input that is required from an OT for our charity clients. However sometimes, particularly with the more complex cases, longer term clinical input such as regular rehabilitation treatment sessions, is required from an OT. In this case we would start with a comprehensive and holistic assessment by an OT with the appropriate specialist skills depending on the injury or condition of the beneficiary. When we send you the initial quote we would include the rates for any future follow up work that may be recommended following the assessment.

In the report the OT would recommend what ongoing treatment sessions or other clinical input is required. Since our goal is to maximise beneficiary independence, we only recommend treatment for as long as strict clinical grounds would justify.

You would then review the report and decide on what recommendations you would like to proceed with and we would send you a quote accordingly. Once the funds have been approved internally, there is a simple one step online process for you review and approve the costs so we can proceed with treatment.

Children & assistance with EHCP provision

We have a large specialist team of paediatric OT’s across the UK and can provide assessments and treatment to support children. We can assess children at home or school, covering simple challenges such as handwriting to complex long term conditions requiring input over a number of years.

Increasingly, due to lengthy public sector waiting lists, we are also being asked by charities to help families with providing EHCP reports and/or delivering the provision recommend in a child’s EHCP. We have a dedicated office based team working with local authorities and parents with private budgets to assist with EHCPs, so any request for assistance with EHCP provisions would be directed to this dedicated expert team who will be able to help you navigate the processes and regulations associated with EHCP provision.

Basic equipment requirement/specification

Often grant managers and case officers are quite clear on the needs of the beneficiary but before committing charitable funds, need the reassurance that the equipment requested is definitely appropriate for the beneficiary and is to the right specification for that individual. For example, for recommending an electric scooter, an OT will visit the beneficiary and make a holistic assessment considering all aspects such a storage, charging, do they have any visual impairment making a scooter unsafe, access to their property etc, as well as ensuring the right measurements and specification for the scooter are taken.

These types of simple assessments that are within a tight scope of requirement are usually delivered under our regular referrer agreement where we can discuss and agree special terms according to your exact requirements, such as how we work alongside any preferred suppliers you may have. We would then put in place a bespoke tiered structure of assessment types and appropriate costings to match the complexity of the assessments you require.

See the section below titled 'Regular referral agreements' for more information and who to contact.

High volume and regular referrers

We work closely with a number of charities where we are an essential component of their mechanism for delivering individualised care to a high number of beneficiaries. Operationally this requires well refined systems and processes to manage the high volumes of referrals to ensure nothing is missed and service levels are always met. For these charity customers we have a dedicated team and account manager providing oversight across all cases with regular contact and reporting.

See the section below titled 'Regular referral agreements' for more information and who to contact.

Training

Tailoring our service to your organisation's needs, we provide training to individual carers and teams on the use of specialist equipment, moving & handling and many other care issues.

Individual assessments & reports
Complex cases with ongoing treatment
Children & assistance with EHCP provision
Basic equipment requirement/specification
High volume and regular referrers
Training

Our approach to working with charities

Worked with charities for many years, we have gained an excellent understanding of their occupational therapy needs and been able to tailor our services to match. There are three elements we have identified that are key to delivering exceptional service to charities and benevolent funds.

Our office team

From your initial enquiry to discharge you will have an experienced, office-based manager as your point-of-contact to look after your cases and ensure quality, consistency and timeliness. They will first aim to fully understand the need for each referral and then recommend how to proceed, selecting the most appropriate OT in our team to provide care.

Our processes & systems

We manage many cases at any one time and have hundreds of OTs working in the community, so ensuring every case runs smoothly requires dependable logistics. We have refined our processes and invested in bespoke systems to provide the foundation to The OT Practice's operations.

Our nationwide team of therapists

We have the largest team of private OTs in the UK and all have passed a strict selection, interview & registration process to ensure we only have the best on our team. Clinical skills and experience are essential, but to become an OT Practice therapist our team members must demonstrate a track record of professionalism and the right attitude to customer service, as well as having an energetic and innovative approach.

Can we help?

Call our client managers on 0330 024 9910
Or email enquiries@theotpractice.co.uk

Some companies & organisations we have worked with

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association

Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association

Next steps

Initial consultation

For help with a grant application that requires an OT assessment, or to make a referral or enquiry, you will speak with a member of the charities team who will be able to offer guidance and help you through the referral process. If you are enquiring about multiple referrals or potentially a long term agreement, you will be directed to our charities Client Relationship Manager who will be able to discuss options.

Quote

Once we have established your needs, you would then be sent a quotation detailing the actions we propose and the associated fee. All our fees are fixed and transparent. If further work might be required in the future then we would also provide as much detail about this as we can to inform your future costings.

Referral

Once you have had time to consider the options and costs, and if you would like to proceed, the next step would be our online referral form. Of course, if you would like guidance on completing the form, or if you have any other questions at that time, our charities team will always be available to assist.

Assessment

Our OT will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange an assessment at a time that suits you or your beneficiary, with early evening and weekend appointments often available if preferred.

Report & recommendations

Our reports are usually delivered within seven days and are professional, comprehensive and jargon-free. We provide a clinical analysis of the needs identified and any professional judgements made, highlighting risks and making clear recommendations for addressing them to support applications for grant funding.

Regular referrer agreements

If your team are likely to make regular referrals please ask to speak to Gary, our charities Client Relationship Manager. Gary will discuss with you how you may be able to benefit from a more structured agreement and SLAs, rather than making multiple one-off referrals under our standard terms. We would look to see how we can tailor our Occupational Therapy provision, ensuring costs are tightly matched to the scope of services you need, as well as providing insights and guidance on how we have helped integrate Occupational Therapy into other charitable organisations to become an invaluable component for supporting their beneficiaries.

Client feedback

The OT Practice offers a flexible and professional service that has allowed us to react quickly to our changing business needs and achieve our customer outcomes.
Papworth Trust

The OT Practice has proved a highly effective resource in establishing the needs of our potential beneficiaries, producing tailored reports that facilitate grant panel decisions. Many beneficiaries do not fully realise and even suppress their needs; we have found the OT visits act as a catalyst to open their minds to practices and adaptations that can enhance their lives. This is a great service and one that has become an essential part of our care and wellbeing operation
Chairman, The Nuclear Community Charity Fund

I have no hesitation in recommending The OT Practice service, where specialist personal will work to your instructions and ensure you are given the best possible advice for you and your client.
Grand Almoner, Freemasons

Joy’s mobility scooter shed was delivered and erected today and it looks fantastic. Many thanks for your support
Bank Worker's Charity Beneficiary

I just want to thank you again for the scooter. It has made a massive difference to me already. I have been out lots with my dog and even met my friend for a coffee. Thanks you so much for making my life a bit more normal and giving me some freedom back.
Bank Worker's Charity Beneficiary

My wife and I were very impressed with the kindness and professionalism of your therapist. It has left me with the fact that I will now have a much better future. An excellent meeting.
A Royal British Legion beneficiary

Your therapist treated me like a human being, not a disabled OAP. She was courteous, kind and caring, it made me feel quite humble, especially with the respect she gave to me.
A Royal British Legion Beneficiary

The OT Practice are extremely efficient and effective – and together we are able to change the lives of children across the UK
Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children

Can we help?

Call our client managers on 0330 024 9910
Or email enquiries@theotpractice.co.uk

Our client’s experience

When Grace was 22 years old she was involved in a serious road traffic accident. Her spinal cord was partially severed resulting in paralysis from her chest downwards. The OT Practice Housing & Equipment team worked with Grace to understand and achieve her goals.

Hear from Grace how OT helped her

Grace

Commonly asked questions by charities and benevolent funds

Why would we need an occupational therapist's assessment before providing equipment?

Central to the role of an OT is ensuring that equipment meets the immediate and long-term clinical needs of a client. Having an OT involved at the assessment stage can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the item purchased improves quality of life and reduces risks to clients and their carers.

Find out more about our housing & equipment service and how our OTs can help.

What sort of services do you provide to charities and others involved in social care?

Reasons for referrals to The OT Practice are very varied, including:

Supporting an application for funding for specific equipment such as a stair-lift, wheelchair or scooter.
Supporting an application for funding of a home adaptation such as an extension or wet room.
Advice on equipment to support a hospital discharge or palliative client.
Treatment for children with sensory or handwriting needs, or who for different reasons are struggling to achieve at school.
Rehabilitation sessions to increase independence, possibly as a follow-on from statutory services.
Housing needs assessments to review the suitability of current stock or examine future needs.

Which kinds of client can you support?

Occupational therapists assess clients of all ages and abilities who are experiencing difficulties. Charities will make referrals to us on behalf of clients with clinical needs who are ineligible for local authority services, or where waiting times for such services are impossibly long. Those we help include:

Amputees.
Individuals with orthopedic problems and chronic pain.
Elderly people encountering age-related difficulties around the home and community.
People with chronic, deteriorating conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s Disease.
Clients with mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Those with cognitive impairments such as autism and other learning difficulties.

Find out more about the conditions and problems our OTs can help with.

Do you supply equipment?

Once an OT has identified a clinical need for equipment, they can recommend an item, obtain quotations and arrange delivery and installation if desired. Due to our size and national coverage we have extensive contacts among equipment providers, or if desired we can work within your preferred provider framework.

Find out more about our housing & equipment service and how our OTs can help.

Can you support housing adaptations?

We often provide assessments and recommendations for a range of environmental adaptations around the home, including wet rooms, ramps, stair lifts and extensions. We work with local authorities and the private sector to ensure that any work meets the client's needs. Adaptations for children are also a major part of the work we do.

Find out more about our housing & equipment service and how our OTs can help.

Do you provide a nationwide service?

We have several hundred occupational therapists covering every area of the UK. Wherever your beneficiaries are located and whatever their clinical needs, we are well placed to find you the right OT.

Find out more about the locations we cover and how our OTs can help.

Do you have a waiting list?

We do not have any waiting lists and in most cases our clients are assessed by an experienced OT within seven days of referral, with our reported recommendations reaching you in a further seven days. We also respond to emergency requests, for example unforeseen hospital discharges or other times when clients are at acute risk.

How do I make a referral to The OT Practice?

Please call us on 0330 024 9910 or email enquiries@theotpractice.co.uk and we would be delighted to help. Your call will be answered by an experienced OT who will be able to send you a full quotation, and match your client to the right field-based OT from our team.

Working with Charities and benevolent funds

Supporting charities to change lives

Why The OT Practice?

Lives changed