Some years ago, as a fairly new occupational therapist, RCOT Professional Adviser Sally Payne joined the Dyspraxia Foundation as a professional member. Little did she know the big impact this small change would have on her career and professional development.
When I graduated as an occupational therapist, I had no idea that almost 30 years later I’d find myself sitting on the BBC Breakfast red sofa talking about Dr Who, dyspraxia and occupational therapy. My decision to join the Dyspraxia Foundation certainly had unexpected consequences!
Motivation to join a charity
I was introduced to the foundation by a child’s mother. Becoming a member seemed a good way to discover new ways to support children and families. The charity’s newsletter included articles about tools and strategies that people of all ages found helpful, while at conferences I heard about research and approaches that I could incorporate into my practice. This kept my work interesting and up to date.
Using my occupational therapy skills
As the campaign for Occupational Therapy Week 2019 is Small Change, Big Impact it seems an appropriate time to explain how and why I decided to ‘give something back’, using my occupational therapy knowledge to present at charity events, write articles and produce information for the website. As a result, more people have benefitted from my skills and experience. A small change for me that has had a big impact on the people I help.
Unexpected opportunities
But it’s not all about ‘giving’. My involvement with the foundation has provided many unexpected opportunities and experiences. As a Trustee I have helped write business plans, project evaluation reports and grant applications that demonstrate need and impact. I have received training in marketing, social media and governance and met people with a range of personal and professional backgrounds. This has all proved invaluable to me as an occupational therapist, as a service manager in the NHS and now as Professional Adviser at the Royal College.
Becoming media savvy
Even more unexpected has been my introduction to the world of TV, press and radio, including the CBeebies programme Tree Fu Tom. I have been interviewed about dyspraxia on the Victoria Derbyshire Show and Woman’s Hour and been quoted in the Financial Times and Computer Active Magazine (a pretty diverse range of publications!). Although well out of my comfort zone, I consider these as unmissable opportunities to promote the role and value of occupational therapy and raise awareness of dyspraxia.
Volunteering to enhance your skills and career
If you are a relatively new graduate, joining a charity can broaden your understanding of people who access your services.
Becoming a charity volunteer can also provide you with valuable, transferable skills and experiences that make life and work more interesting. It’s easy to become comfortable in a role you’ve had for a long time so taking opportunities to do something different can be both personally satisfying and career enhancing.
Who would have thought that such a small action, would have such a big impact on my career and development as an occupational therapist? Maybe volunteering with a charity could do the same for you.