The People Making Things Possible – Rebecca

Rebecca, a final-year Occupational Therapy student, is one of REMAP’s amazing Health Professional volunteers who provide our Engineer/Makers with valuable expert advice. Balancing her volunteer work with her studies, she gains practical experience and valuable insights that enrich her education.

Here are her thoughts about volunteering with REMAP:

Volunteering with REMAP as an OT student has been invaluable. REMAPs mission aligns with Occupational Justice and has been inspiring to be involved with. My volunteering role has strengthened and stretched my professional identity in unique ways. Collaborating with Engineers broadened my perspective on what feels ‘possible’, in terms of solutions for people, and deepened.my understanding of what I bring to the table as an OT. My experiences with REMAP have strengthened my ability to advocate for people I work with and has boosted creativity in my practice.

The work I do with REMAP, I put in my Continual Professional Development folder. It has strengthened my ability to explain what Occupational Therapy is and improved my communication skills. I draw upon my volunteering role and the diverse experiences it has afforded me when I am applying for jobs or funding which has been really beneficial.

It’s a very flexible volunteering role, my branch doesn’t put pressure on students. They understand our schedules are moving all the time, so it is quite hard for us to commit to do something on a weekly basis, but when you have a bit of spare capacity, you can just contact them and let them know.

REMAP offers such a friendly volunteering service. Our branch meet in person but, because I don’t live in Southampton, they let me join online. It’s nice as a student where everything else is really fast paced and really high pressure, to have something you can get involved in which is such a lovely environment. The panel always make time to meet with you and really value your voice. Our chair and engineers are so kind and patient with the time that you have and what you can offer; even if you only make it to one meeting in six months, that’s still so enriching.

It’s really unique and special. I feel very grateful for my involvement.

If you’re interested in making a difference, like Rebecca, find out how you can get involved.