Anne Thorpe
Therapy Support Assistant Anne Thorp has been working at Dame Hannahs for over 30 years. Anne started in 1991 as part-time house parent to the children before moving on to work in the Physiotherapy department where she learnt about other therapies. Anne has played a major part in the lives of so many young people at Dame Hannahs and has always shown great dedication and hard work.
Therapy Support Assistant Anne Thorp has been working at Dame Hannahs for over 30 years. Anne started in 1991 as part-time house parent to the children before moving on to work in the Physiotherapy department where she learnt about other therapies. Anne has played a major part in the lives of so many young people at Dame Hannahs and has always shown great dedication and hard work.
As a house parent Anne worked evenings and weekends so she was able to juggle family life. During this time, Anne worked closely with the intensive support unit which included physiotherapy. When Anne’s son started school, she worked term-time in the Physiotherapy department which fitted in well with her family life. Anne started as a physiotherapy assistant, but having gained experience in all therapies and learnt on the job over the years, Anne became a general support assistant for the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
Anne’s current job incorporates all physiotherapy including hydrotherapy and rebound. Another therapy Anne offers the young adults is a therapy called Standing. This is where the young adults are assessed and, if they are able to with clinical reasoning, Anne can do 1:1 standing sessions in their standing frames. With all the therapies that Anne offers, it gives the young adults a change of posture and some 1:1 time out of their busy bungalows. Anne offers choice within all her sessions, ensuring that they have a person-centred focus. This promotes independence, improves the young adults’ abilities to make choices and allows them to have a say within their therapy plans. When needed to, Anne has attained the training to work alongside the support workers in the bungalows. Anne really is a crucial team member to all departments at Dame Hannahs.
Throughout her time at Dame Hannahs, Anne has seen many people come and go. Anne is particularly proud of seeing the children she supported over 20 years ago, flourish and transition into fun, big-hearted young adults whom she is still able to support in Adult Services. Even though the closure of our Children’s Services was very sad, it still holds great memories for Anne and she is grateful to have started her Dame Hannahs journey there.
Anne said “I have been working at Dame Hannahs for more than half my life! I have been very happy here and have seen many changes over the years. During my time I have learnt a lot but for me it is all about the wonderful young people and I have some happy memories. It has been lovely to see so many of them grow up from very young children into adults and to watch them develop.”