06/02/2025
The Western Trust is delighted with the launch of the new Occupational Therapy tool AskSARA. This tool is a pilot project which has been undertaken by the Western Trust, through the Department of Health, which has been developed as an additional resource to assist with independent living.
AskSARA is an online rapid-access self-assessment tool that provides information and advice written by occupational therapists about equipment that can assist with independent living. The assessment tool will signpost service users to suppliers and they will have the opportunity to privately purchase solutions to meet their needs without having to wait for a formal assessment by an occupational therapist. However, if the service user’s needs are deemed to be more complex, the self-assessment tool will recommend a formal assessment by an occupational therapist. Additionally users can still request a formal assessment by an occupational therapist if they prefer to do so.
To use this service it takes three simple steps.
- Choose which topic you would like help and support with
- Answer some questions regarding yourself and your situation
- Receive your personalised AskSARA report
Your report will include self-help tips, details on the products you can purchase to help you live more independently with additional information on how and where you can purchase these products, as well as additional services that may be of use to you.
As the Western Trust becomes the first Trust in Northern Ireland to launch this project as a pilot, Patrick Conwell, Head of Occupational Therapy, Western Trust said:
“I am delighted to see the launch of the AskSARA online self-assessment tool here within the Western Trust.”
“It is acknowledged that timely access to equipment appropriate to your needs enhances safety, independence and quality of life.”
For more information on AskSARA and what it offers, view our video with Patrick Conwell, Head of Occupational Therapy: