Occupational Therapy News OTnews October 2019 | Page 51

SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURE relationships that I hope to strengthen in the future as I move on from my time as a student to my professional career,’ she says. Like any good volunteer role, she has taken from it as much as she has put into it, if not more, she exclaims. ‘Most importantly, I think that the best thing I have gained from working with the OTalk team is a feeling of confidence…[which] is a big issue for me. I can be hesitant when trying to put my clinical reasoning into words and self-conscious when speaking to clients. But one area that has been pointed out to me as a strength is that I’m not afraid to speak up in meetings or to share my thoughts in group discussions. ‘I think that the time I have spent as an intern has been an important part of that, because for the last two years when I log into Twitter I haven’t been “just” a student – I’ve been a part of a community and someone whose opinions are valued, which has changed how I see myself and how I carry myself as a professional.’ As Carolina moves into the next stage of her career, she says that she is hopeful that she can take these skills into practice, as well as taking on a different type of role on the OTalk team – as a new graduate rather than a student. ‘I’m excited to see how OTalk will grow and evolve in line with the ever-changing landscape of the Internet and changing attitudes in healthcare. And most of all, I’m happy that I’m facing the future with such a supportive team and a strong community behind me.’ OTalk is a voluntary based movement. It now also has a dedicated OTalk research team that runs a monthly research chat on the first Tuesday of the month, and this year, behind the scenes, members have been developing a new website. All you need to join in with OTalk is a Twitter account, free time on a Tuesday night at 8pm, and some ideas. OTalk hopes to see you there soon. Carolina Cordero and Rachel Booth, OTalk team members, visit: https://otalk.co.uk. OTalk is now looking for a new student intern to join the team, and information on how to apply will be on the group’s website and Twitter feed soon The OTalk team members: Helen Rushton @Helen_OTUK Gillian Gorry @GillyGorry Clarissa Sorlie @GeekyOT Rachel Booth @OT_rach Kelly Murray @OTontheTracks Kirstie Hughes @Kirstie_OT Carolina Cordero @colourful_OT The OTalk Research Team (launched in 2016): Lynne Goodacre @LynneGoodacre Emma Hooper @hooper_ek Jenny Preston @preston_jenny Nikki Daniels @NikkiDanielsOT Join the experts As a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), you can join 1 a number of specialist sections dealing with different areas of practice. They give you access to a unique peer network, and the opportunity to share information and promote best practice. Specialist sections support RCOT to: • promote research and disseminate information • enable continuing professional development • provide expertise at local and national levels • advise and influence on behalf of the profession. Together, we help raise awareness of occupational therapy. Joining a specialist section means you have access to: • a UK-wide, specialist network of occupational therapists • expert professional knowledge and resources • professional development opportunities • clinical fora, dedicated to even more specialised areas of practice • opportunities to contribute to shaping policy, strategy and best practice guidelines. Find out more at rcot.co.uk/specialistsections or email [email protected] 1 There is a small annual fee to join a specialist section, which is additional to your annual RCOT membership fee. Fees do vary between specialist sections. You can find out more at rcot.co.uk/specialistsections The Royal College of Occupational Therapists Ltd is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 275119) and in Scotland (No. SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374) OTnews October 2019 51