Bryony Cooper

Originally from Devon, I completed my training at Sheffield Hallam University, then moved to the north-east, where I started my very first occupational therapy role in the NHS at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Sunderland has won my heart, and I have stayed ever since.

I have a wealth of clinical experience spanning across NHS and social care settings. I have practised in rheumatology and orthopaedics; however, most of my career has been in social care, which is an area I am extremely passionate about. Supporting children and adults who may be experiencing challenges with their everyday activities has proved to be extremely rewarding. I have a wide range of knowledge and experience linked to specialist equipment, adaptations, and technology-enabled care.

After progressing in the therapies service to Team Manager, I decided to use my clinical skills in occupational therapy and staff development to branch into higher education, where I can support and develop our learners/students to become the next generation of occupational therapists.