CREST Team Case Study - Laura Ellis

Laura is an Occupational Therapist Lead at CREST

What made you apply for your job?

After completing my MSc in Leadership and Management, I sought a new opportunity to harness those skills while enhancing service users’ quality of life through recovery-orientated occupational therapy interventions.

I felt the OT Lead post in CREST was what I was looking for – this regional and dynamic role offers a supportive and collaborative team and the opportunity to shape and cultivate a unique OT service. Working alongside individuals on their journey to recovery is a privilege I hold in high regard.

What do you do day-to-day?

CREST is an environment where each day presents unique challenges and opportunities, which energises me. I have the chance to lead a passionate occupational therapy team that guides individuals towards meaningful occupational engagement, nurturing their sense of purpose and community belonging while spearheading the growth and evolution of our occupational therapy service and effectively managing the team.

It’s a busy job!

What do you most admire about CREST?

What I admire most is being surrounded by a diverse and skilled workforce. I’m working alongside staff who have lived experience. We always ask, ‘How will this impact our service users, and what would our service users think of this?”

What do you want to see in the future at CREST?

I know there are plans to expand the team, and I look forward to meeting people passionate about recovery, alongside exploring their innovative ideas to make our services intertwine with our Trust values.

How do you look after your mental health?

Staying organised! I believe in effective diary management, to-do lists and priority planning. Meaningful occupations that matter to me are staying active; such as swimming, staying connected, such as my family, and staying curious, such as reading.