EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FEATURE
There were also the hurdles regarding who I was in terms of race in a ‘ white person ’ s job ’, as described by my former work colleague . Facing racial prejudices , having a different accent and being told that I could never be an occupational therapist by the people around me in the occupational therapy community , made me even more determined to become an occupational therapist , if only to prove people wrong .
I completed my programme of study in 2018 , after taking four years instead of the usual three , due to ill-health . I received tremendous help from the student disability support service ; it enabled me to complete my course .
I also remember being told at university how good I would be as an occupational therapist , but that I would have to work twice as hard to reach my ambition .
As a student occupational therapist , I had the opportunity to do a variety of placements in different sections of the health sector . I had the opportunity to engage in different activities with patients in mental health , dementia , oncology , and rehabilitation sectors , which gave me quality experiences that I apply in my current role .
On placement , a client with mild dementia told me how good I would be as an occupational therapist , but I never shared these comments more widely , as I felt other people thought I was not good enough ; I was often reminded of the phrase my former work colleague used – ‘ a white person ’ s job ’. I was often saddened , but not deterred , by some of the comments I received as a student .
Two years after completing university , I became an occupational therapist working for North East London NHS Foundation Trust ( NELFT ), working as a learning disability specialist occupational therapist .
My management team identified the potential in me and only saw me as a person with abilities , skills , passion and enthusiasm , not a ‘ person of colour ’. After 17 months , I was successfully promoted to a band six role .
I remember my current manager , Karen Slater , also proudly said : ‘ I know I didn ’ t make a mistake by giving you this job , you deserve it ’. This comment made me feel very proud and secure in the knowledge that I was not given the job because I am black , but because I deliver a quality service for my clients and the organisation that I work for – making me finally discard my sense of ‘ imposter syndrome ’.
As an occupational therapist working with people with a learning disability , I am passionate about my job and proud to be a Black specialist occupational therapist .
I love the fact that I am able to use my creative skills to support my clients to develop coping strategies , learn new skills , adapt their functioning and improve their quality of life .
I am proud to be a part of a recruitment campaign with NELFT to help recruit more occupational therapists . I am also an ambassador for North East London Health and Care Careers partnership to encourage and educate the younger generation to join the profession .
I am also in the process of setting up a peer support group with my learning disability band six occupational therapy colleagues , so we can share ideas , our challenges , research and development and promote reflective practices .
My aim is to advocate and promote the occupational therapy role wherever I can to let the world know that occupational therapy is a profession for all , and everyone should feel safe in a supported and friendly environment .
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My aim is to advocate and promote the occupational therapy role wherever I can to let the world know that occupational therapy is a profession for all , and everyone should feel safe in a supported and friendly environment .
I would also like to take this opportunity to educate those teaching in the profession that words can be like swords that pierce through the heart and the resulting scar remains forever . My message to occupational therapists and occupational therapy students is to never give up when facing the trials and tribulations that will arise on your professional journey . Some of you will already relate to what I am writing about , but what is important is your destination , not where you started from .
I would hope that universities have a clear pathway for reporting issues such as the ones I experienced , so that students feel supported . I was a mature student and could cope with the abuse and the negative comments directed my way , but I worry whether the younger recruits , with more limited life experience , would be able to cope .
I would like to take this opportunity to mention and thank three important people who have helped me on my journey to become a successful occupational therapist : Karen Slater , my manager , who has made me feel valued in the team and is the best manager anyone could have ; Barbara Tombs , lead for occupational therapy , recovery and social inclusion and ISA placements – B & D , who is my role model and someone I look up to , as she is the reason why I work in NELFT due to her enthusiasm , support and compassionate nature ; and finally Miriam Wright , Havering Community Learning Disability Team , my supervisor , who has taught me all the small and detailed parts of my role and given me the confidence to face the challenges ahead .
Georgina Azoska , band six occupational therapist , North East London NHS Foundation Trust ( NELFT ). With thanks to Christopher Tuckett , Associate Director of AHPs at NELFT NHS Foundation Trust , for support with writing this article
OTnews August 2021 21