Sport for Confidence further extends its reach and influence
Sport For Confidence CIC has extended its influence with the launch of its award-winning inclusive physical activity programme into two new leisure venues in Brentwood , thanks to its continuing partnership with leisure operator , Everyone Active .
Designed to tackle inequalities by breaking down barriers to participation that exist for those with longterm health conditions and disabilities , the Sport For Confidence programme fully supports Sport England ’ s 10-year ‘ Uniting The Movement ’ strategy to create a more equitable society through levelling up disparities that exist in sport .
‘ Everybody has the right to access the many physical , mental and social benefits sport and physical activity has to offer ,’ says Nikki West , Sport For Confidence occupational therapist and project lead at Brentwood .
‘ Through providing a residency for our programme in these two new locations , many people who would otherwise struggle to access structured physical activity will now be able to get involved .
‘ Our programme places occupational therapists alongside sports coaches to deliver a personcentred approach that promotes positive occupational outcomes which extend way beyond the field of play , enhancing lives and helping participants lead a happier , healthier and more enriched life .’
Equality and inclusion new Chair ’ s priority
RCOT is delighted to welcome Odeth Richardson as our 21st Chair of BAOT / BAOT Council . Odeth took over the reins from Professor Diane Cox , who stepped down after three years , after the AGM on 30 June .
Odeth will be a fantastic ambassador for our members and the occupational therapy profession . With her strategic and inspiring work across the occupational therapy profession , charities and advisory boards , she is ideally placed to champion and elevate the profession and help drive our new strategy forward .
Commenting on becoming Chair , Odeth said : ‘ I firstly want to say a huge thank you for the warm welcome and congratulatory messages I ’ ve received since being appointed as Chair . Over the next few months , I ’ m going to spend time listening so that I better understand what matters to you and how we can support you .
‘ My priority is to help reengage with members and ensure that equality and inclusion is at the heart of all the work we do for you . Every member has a crucial role to play and it ’ s important that everyone , and I mean everyone , feels welcome and heard within our professional body .
‘ It is an exciting time to be an occupational therapist as we work towards our shared vision – that people everywhere value the life-changing power of occupational therapy . I ’ m looking forward to meeting with many of you in the months to come . Together we can make a huge difference .’
Starting her career at
Odeth Richardson
Hillingdon Hospital , Odeth has been an occupational therapist for over 22 years . Currently , she is Head of Occupational Therapy at The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust .
Odeth is also a trustee of the Great North Children ’ s Hospital Foundation and a Critical Friend to Glasgow Caledonian and Northumbria Universities , looking at improving the representation and experiences of underrepresented occupational therapy students .
A full biography and details about all our Council members can be found here https :// bit . ly / 2HhZ43D .
Watch Odeth ’ s interview hosted by Kirstie Hughes , Vice Chair of our West Midlands region , at the 2022 AGM www . rcot . co . uk / news / equalityand-inclusion-new-chair-priority .
8 OTnews July 2022