June Keir

June is a retired Occupational Therapist (O.T.) She was educated at Pinner Grammar School and then went onto secretarial college. She worked initially at Kodak’s head office in London and then at their factory in Harrow. She married David where they moved to Staffordshire where she worked for the Coal Board.

Some years later, having had their two sons, they moved to Northamptonshire where June volunteered at a local psychiatric hospital, using her crafting skills. She was then offered a part-time O.T. Assistant job. During this time she was encouraged to go back to evening class and obtained an O and A Level in Human Biology which enabled her to go to university to study Occupational Therapy full-time. After qualifying in 1992 she returned to work in psychiatry at her previous Trust, working her way up to eventually becoming a Head Occupational Therapist. During this time she also gained her Adult and Further Education Teacher’s Certificate. She retired in 2012.

June has always run craft groups in her work recognising the value of craft work in helping people gain/regain skills, for example in self-esteem, concentration and socialisation. Many people went on to join various craft groups/courses which helped them forge new friendships.

She now keeps busy as a member of her local U3A. She is also Treasurer of her local patchwork group. She sells her craft work at various local craft sales. She continues to teach in workshops at vintage shops and to parents at local junior schools. She also maintains her contacts with psychiatry by sitting on panels which scrutinise the use of the Mental Health Act.

June still lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, David. Her sons live close by and June and David enjoy supporting them with childcare.

Updated 28/02/2020