A pioneering occupational therapist from Dorset has been honoured as the Allied Health Professional (AHP) of the Year for 2025 for her transformative work within the prison system, which has successfully reduced violence and re-offending rates.
Groundbreaking Work Recognised at National Ceremony
Jennifer Stickney, a consultant occupational therapy practitioner for Dorset HealthCare, received the prestigious Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) Award. She was first honoured in the Public Health category before being selected as the overall winner from eight categories, securing the top AHP of the Year title. The award was presented by Professor Suzanne Rastrick OBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, at an in-person ceremony in London.
A Life-Changing Model for Rehabilitation
Jennifer was seconded to His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to develop ways for prisoners to sustain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Her innovative settlement model provides crucial support during high-risk stages of custody: entry into prison, transitions within the system, and upon release.
The programme has delivered outstanding results in two pilot prisons, achieving a measurable reduction in prisoner incidents and re-offending rates. Described as life-changing for one of society's most challenging groups, the model's success has led to the decision to roll it out nationally across all prisons.
Raising the Profile of Occupational Therapy
Jennifer dedicated her award to collaborative efforts, stating: “I feel enormously proud of the progress made in this area of work, which was achieved with my fellow occupational therapist Emma Holmes.” She expressed a passionate hope that the recognition would raise the profile of occupational therapy across all areas of criminal justice, supporting further innovation.
Professor Suzanne Rastrick OBE highlighted the critical timing of the work: “Prisons are currently facing challenges around violence against staff and the delivery of effective rehabilitation. Her model offers innovative, scalable solutions that can be replicated across the country.”
The annual CAHPO Awards celebrate the vital contribution Allied Health Professionals make to improving care and wellbeing across England.
