معرفی
Lynda Hughes serves as Co-programme Lead and Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of the West of England's College of Health, Science and Society, co-leading the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme and previously directing the MSc Rehabilitation programme in partnership with Hainan Medical University, China. Her teaching spans Human Occupation, Dementia Care, Leadership, and Research Methods with a student-centered approach.
Educational qualifications include a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (2018), MSc in Management and Leadership (2016, Merit), MSc in Occupational Therapy (2005), and Diploma in Occupational Therapy (1992), supplemented by specialized trainings in dementia facilitation, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling.
Research centers on occupation-centred practice, particularly through her PhD-developed Handy OT Model for therapists supporting individuals with complex health challenges. Her clinical innovations include pioneering the Forget Me Not Centre for young onset dementia, emphasizing co-production, nature-based therapy, and amplifying patient voices to transform care quality.
Publications from 2005-2017 reveal consistent focus on dementia care, cognitive rehabilitation, and occupation-based frameworks, highlighting trends toward participatory action research, non-pharmacological interventions, and integrating lived experience into therapeutic practice across diverse health contexts.
- NHS National Patient Champion of the Year (2015)
- Regional NHS Leadership Recognition Award: Patient Champion of the Year (2014)
- Recovery Award for dementia recovery model adoption (2010)
Mentoring over 800 professionals in dementia education, she develops accessible resources and collaborates with NHS Trusts on quality improvement. Her media work (SCIE films, BBC Radio 4) and trustee role with White Horse Care Trust demonstrate commitment to inclusive practice and community engagement.
Leadership extends to the Forget Me Not Walking Group and Wiltshire Voices initiatives, creating platforms for people with dementia to share experiences directly, driving systemic change through storytelling and co-produced knowledge.
