community projects

Through the partnership with St George’s Crypt, a homeless centre in Leeds, a number of students did dissertation projects on key issues affecting the charity.  A group of Occupational Therapy students completed a piece of work through their role emerging placement that highlighted the need for Occupational Therapy in the homeless population. This project formed part of an application for funding for a pilot service with a full-time OT at the centre which was successful. 

Researchers in the School of Health carried out an evaluation of the service which ultimately led to ongoing funding for the post.  The OT now supervises placement students at the centre.  This partnership is an excellent example of the mutual benefit this way of working brings – and from our university’s perspective, this stream of work has contributed to learning, teaching, research, student experience and employability.  From the charity’s perspective, they have increased capacity through students, and professionals employed following research to establish the need.