Job Description

We are looking for highly motivated Activities Coordinator to join our friendly team. Oakwood is a mixed acute mental health ward currently based at Southmead Hospital, with aims to move to Callington Road Hospital towards the end of 2026.



The Activities Coordinator will work as part of the wider MDT and help to deliver evidence-based interventions to service users in the acute phase of their illness. They have a particular focus on meaningful activity and therapeutic engagement. In this role, you will coordinate and administrate the ward's program of interpersonal engagement by focusing on structured, meaningful activity. You will be required to be creative and utilise your initiative to adapt to each service user through our services to provide this. Flexibility, compassion, and creativity are key in this role.



The exact working pattern can be negotiated, however you will be required to work at least 4 weekend days per month (one per week or alternate full weekends), and evenings. The proposed shift time will be 13:00-21:00, but flexibilities can be considered.



We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual who is able to promote relevant and interesting activities on the unit to aid the Safewards Initiative and continue improvements to maintain a reduction in restrictive practice.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and facilitate groups or individual activities.



Promote participation and encourage patient input in activity planning.



Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to tailor activities to patient needs.



Maintain and update the Activities Board with upcoming sessions.



Record attendance, feedback, and any significant observations on the Rio progress notes.



Manage and maintain inventory of activity supplies.



Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all service users.

Understanding Patient Needs / Interest:

Observe behaviour and engage in conversations to understand preferences (Conversations are very helpful to understand how to meet them at the point of their needs).



Adjust activities to suit present day energy levels, patient attention spans, and preference.



Consult with nurses, occupational therapists, and other staff to identify patient needs.



Be mindful of safety assessments, be mindful of individual care plans.



We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.



Clinical Practice



The post holder will provide Vocational, Educational and Recreational activities for the service users in the unit and via community access.



Organization of activities for all service users to develop and maintain new skills.



To provide in-house activities for other care staff to use with service users, i.e. puzzles, football, board games etc.



To organize trips out for the service users.



As a member of the support team, help to create a safe, educational and therapeutic environment based on the needs of the individuals and ensuring that their rights, dignity and personal privacy are maintained at all times.



Follow written care plans and guidelines, working closely with the service users to promote greater independence.



Monitor the general health of the service users reporting any changes in physical or mental condition.



To encourage and assist the service users to participate in a wide range of activities using local facilities wherever possible, thus developing positive contacts with the local community.



Education & Health Promotion



To keep up to date with changing practices and attend relevant training appropriate to the role as directed. Promote positive attitudes towards mental health. This will include:



a) Attend regular statutory training and updates.



b) Participate in appraisal and supervision processes from identified Team Leader.



c) Contribute to the learning environment of staff undergoing training and new team members as directed.



d) Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).



e) Work to the Clinical, Personnel and other Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.



Finance and Workforce



To play a role in making best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models and contributing to provision of best care possible.



Follow Trust and Service Policies relating to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.



Play a part in the service provision that is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.



Supervise the work of Band 2 HCAs and others, as appropriate.



Contribute to the development of other support staff.



Effective time management



Record Keeping and Administration



To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines. This will include:



The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.



Work under the direction of 'Essence of Care' lead.



Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.



Practice Development & Clinical Audit



To participate with support of registered nurse to clinical audit and comply with activity as outlined in "The Essence of Care".