Editor ’ s note
Editor ’ s note
Welcome to OTnews
This month sees three awareness events take place in the UK that all sit at the heart of our profession , and we ’ ve focused some of our features to reflect these themes .
First , this year ’ s LGBT + History Month ’ s national theme is # UnderTheScope and throughout the whole of February LGBTQ + people ’ s contribution to medicine and healthcare will be celebrated – with a focus on LGBTQ + health inequalities and the amazing work of LGBTQ + healthcare professionals .
On pages 14-16 , we ’ re delighted to hear from Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield , who explores what the new Skills for Care learning framework to improve support for the LGBTQ + community in later life looks like for occupational therapists . It ’ s a real opportunity to focus and reflect upon the experiences and support needs of the older LGBTQ + community .
We ’ ve also seen National Apprenticeship Week take place earlier this month and in this issue we hear from occupational therapy apprentices about their learning journeys . On pages 22-25 , Kirsty Caldecott reflects on her journey to joining the profession through this route , and specifically on a how recent placement experience has opened her eyes to the opportunities out there .
Then , on pages 24-25 , occupational therapy apprentice Belinda Clayton reflects on what she has learned about the value of collaborative working while in an emerging role on a recent placement .
And the University of Hertfordshire has been collaboratively working to develop an occupational therapy apprenticeship that meets local needs . The first cohort of 21 apprentices started on the three-year programme in January 2021 , and as they approach becoming the first OTs to qualify from the programme , we hear about the experience from Claire Lancaster , Rebecca Rogers and Shannen Melville-Taylor . Turn to pages 26-29 to find out more .
And finally , 26 February-3 March 2024 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week . This year , the campaign is shining a light on a health condition that doesn ’ t always get the attention it deserves : ARFID ( avoidant restrictive food intake disorder ).
So , on pages 18-20 , Training Worker Aitch Nicol and Occupational Therapist Hazel Bryce reflect on how a multidisciplinary , integrated therapeutic approach , using group learning , has contributed to improved eating behaviours and increased wellbeing for people with AFRID taking part in a pilot support group at the South Yorkshire Eating Disorder Association .
I hope you find this issue both interesting and engaging and I ’ d love to hear from you on any specific areas of practice or themes that you think we should cover in the coming months . Get in touch at editorial @ rcot . co . uk .
I ’ d love to hear from you
Cover image : © Sabrina Bracher 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 2024 OTnews 3