Meet Callum, Bounce OT Founder
Founder & Occupational Therapy Lead, BounceOT Stirling CIC
Founder & Executive Director, BounceOT Group Ltd
I founded the service as a registered social enterprise in April 2017, having tested the idea locally from summer 2016. I was in my final year of University at the time, whilst working as a support worker for neurodivergent children and adults with learning disabilities. Simply, I wanted to see something different in my local area that was fun, accessible, and focused on improving both the quality of life and healthcare of the people I was supporting.
I felt confident to take risks in this field as I had extensive experience working in the social care sector. My journey started in the summer of 2012 where I worked abroad at a disability summer camp in New York for 3 months (via Camp America’s exchange programme). I returned to the same camp, in various promoted roles, for 4 summers until 2015. Whilst living back in Scotland, I worked with ENABLE, then as a self-employed Personal Assistant with local families.
I ran BounceOT in Stirling as an independent practitioner, full-time, straight from university at only 23 years old. This was due to the overwhelming demand for what I offered locally. I’ve always juggled various roles to expand my skill set and challenge me - e.g. Vice Chair for RCOT SSPLD (Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Specialist Section for People with Learning Disabilities) and acted as a Lead Therapist within an NIHR funded clinical trial within NHS Lothian.
Academically, I’ve successfully obtained a PGCert in Sensory Integration from Sheffield Hallam University, and am currently enrolled part time on the post-registration MSc Advancing Practice in Occupational Therapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
Since August 2022, I have split my time between leading the business and working within a Specialist Clinical role within NHS Fife. This has allowed me to become a highly skilled and diverse clinician, whilst proving the business model is thriving independent of me personally.
Other achievements to date:
- Social Enterprise Champion (highly commended) 2018 - Social Enterprise Scotland Awards
- Entrepreneur for Good Scotland (Finalist) 2019 - GBEA (Great British Entrepreneur Awards)
- Fellow - School for Social Entrepreneurs Scotland 2019
- Young EDGE Winner 2022 - Scottish EDGE
Eliza
I joined the team in September 2021. As well as managerial responsibilities, I have a small case load of families I work with, so I get lots of variety in my week! My background is in education and social care management. I am also a Trainee Play Therapist. Our service is incredibly busy and totally unique; it feels like the most special place to be and I love that I get the opportunity to work with so many families in our local area.
How I get my 1 hour of play - spent with my children and being outdoors enjoying the Scottish landscape!
Brian
I started working for BounceOT in April 2022. Before this I worked in the care sector over 9 years; in care in the community then working with young people. I have loved every minute of my time at BounceOT; I am always learning different skills and tools to help people of all ages regulate and meet their needs. I am the go-to person in the team for all things tech/computers/games.
How I get my 1 hour of play - taking my dogs out for long walks!
Jenni
I joined the team in October 2022 after seeing the benefits this service had brought to my son Finlay and our family. After leaving University with a Nursing Degree, I worked as an NHS Staff Nurse in a Plastic Surgery High Dependency Unit in Glasgow for 15 years. After a change in career, I started my own business, Sensory Tots Stirling, due to my love of all things Sensory. My eldest son Finlay inspired me to run ASN specific sensory classes for preschool children named Finlay’s Superstars in memory of Finlay. This is also a support group for parents/carers of preschool children with ASN. Running my business and working as a Play Leader for BounceOT I find incredibly rewarding, and really enjoy seeing the children and adults I bounce with every week.
How I get my 1 hour of play - running and playing with my son Harrison!
Ryan
I have been working part-time at BounceOT since June 2023, although I have been involved with the service for many years – read my Staff Story here. Outside of my role here, I've been doing competitive gymnastics since I was 9 and in 2022 I was selected to go to European championships as part of the GBR team.
How I get my 1 hour of play - going to the gym and listening to music with my friends!
Wendy
Hi! I am new to the office as of August 2024. I am excited to spend time with the amazing team. Outside of my role at BounceOT - I work part time at a local nursery, and run my own reflexology and Tropic Skincare business too.
How I get my 1 hour of play - with our three whippets walking them around the river, and going for coffee (and cake!) with friends!
