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º£½ÇÖ±²¥ hosts occupational health student conference

Occupational therapy students from eight universities gathered at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ for the Northern and Yorkshire Regional Occupational Therapy Student Conference.

The conference, which is in its second year, had the theme of Holism, a core philosophy of occupational therapy. Speakers included Marg Foster, co-editor, Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction, Dr Sheena Blair, Glasgow Caledonian University and Claire Smith, º£½ÇÖ±²¥, who offered an insight into holism.

The event, held in The Hub in the Students’ Union, included workshops on a variety of topics including spirituality, basket weaving and falls prevention.

Organisers of the event were third year BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy studentsAisling Durkin, Genevieve Butler and Linda Henson.

Aisling, who is chair of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Occupational Therapy Society, said: 'A group of us attended the first conference held at York St John University last year and found it very inspiring. It was a great success and we wanted to bring it here this year.

'The conference and workshops are important as they help students to improve their knowledge of occupational therapy, as well allowing the student to network and going towards the professional portfolio.

'This year’s event gave students the opportunity to listen to prominent speakers and take part in a range of workshops run by clinicians, academics and students.

'Holism, the theme of this year’s event, is a core philosophy of occupational therapy and is considered to be a very important part of our interactions with clients. It involves looking at every aspect of the person from the social aspect to the physiological and psychological too.

'The workshops involved poster making, mat weaving, falls prevention and spirituality. Everything is relevant to when the students go out to practice and carry their skills to the work place as qualified occupational therapists.'

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