Welcome to OTnews
There are many awareness events held in the UK in February , and in this issue we focus on two that have particular meaning for the occupational therapy community – LGBT History Month and Eating Disorders Awareness Week .
For our cover story this issue , as LGBT History Month comes to an end , members of the LGBTQIA + OT UK network share their thoughts on LGBTQIA + visibility in occupational therapy .
On pages 20 to 23 , Rachael Daniels , Eva Eastman , Laura Owers , Clarissa Sørlie and Ed Sum reflect on some of their personal experiences that led them to work ‘ behind the scenes ’ to launch the LGBTQIA + OT community in early 2021 , before sharing some of the things you can do within your practice and in your own personal learning journey to become an ally .
Then , on pages 28 to 30 , Esther Dark marks Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2022 , which kicks off on 28 February , with some advice on what we can all do to play our part in the campaign .
Esther urges occupational therapists to be aware of all eating disorder presentations , to listen in a non-judgmental way , to advocate for others where there is poor awareness and acknowledgement , and to get better at signposting to other services .
She shares some really useful resources to help occupational therapists focus on the importance of prevention and urges as many people as possible to join BEAT ’ s national campaign . Will you get involved ?
And talking of getting more involved , we are asking all our professional members this month whether you are ready for a new challenge ?
Last issue , we shared RCOT ’ s new strategy , values and brand , and our Chief Executive , Steve Ford , said we are entering an exciting new era together . So , if you want to become a leader in the growing occupational therapy professional community , why not consider standing for election to RCOT ’ s governing Council ?
Past Council members say their experience was stimulating , educational and rewarding . It ’ s an opportunity to develop your skills in a new sphere , to act as a leader in the professional community and to support your professional body . On pages 16 to 17 you ’ ll find all the information you need to help you decide if now is the time for you to step forward .
I ’ d love to hear from you
Cover image : miakievy via Getty Images
If you have any feedback about this issue of OTnews , or would like to contribute a short article or feature for a future publication , please email me at : editorial @ rcot . co . uk
Tracey Samuels Editor
February 2022 OTnews 3