No barriers to success : Black and minority ethnic occupational therapists ’ experiences of mentorship and safe spaces
The Elizabeth Casson Trust has awarded funding for a research study to better understand mentorship for Black and Minority Ethnic ( BME ) occupational therapists .
The study is led by a team of experienced researchers who are also occupational therapists . It has been supported and advised by BAMEOTUK , as well as a steering group of healthcare professionals from clinical , academic and policy backgrounds representing NHS , RCOT , private practice and social care .
Recent surveys suggest that BAME therapists and nurses are not progressing into leadership roles . The aim of this survey is to investigate the structure , content and process of delivery of mentoring programmes that BME occupational therapists have participated in .
Mentoring is important for career development . The researchers are interested in hearing all voices ; please complete the survey even if you have not had mentoring .
Once data from the survey has been collected , the researchers will then follow on with focus groups to gather more insight from participants on developing a model of mentoring that is integral for BAME occupational therapists ’ career progression .
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Bringing together occupational therapists working in substance misuse and addiction related services
In early 2022 , several occupational therapists working in substance misuse related services joined together to establish a UK and Ireland-wide network .
As the network grows , it highlights the diverse roles in which occupational therapists practise , including community specialist substance misuse , homeless-related , assertive outreach and co-occurring mental health , inpatient detox and rehab units , and veterans ’ alcohol services .
Meetings are held every six weeks via MS Teams , with the aim to provide : peer support ; consolidation of professional identity for occupational therapists practising in this area ; identifying and sharing evidence , resources and relevant training ; and developing CPD-related opportunities and aiding service development through mutual exchange of ideas and experiences .
Future aspirations include collaboration to build on the evidence of occupational therapy for addiction and substance misuse .
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July 2022 OTnews 55