For the attention of all Welsh COT members who want to be kept up-to-date!

The College of Occupational Therapists issue a regular e-newsletter called Highlight and there are also frequent e-bulletins from the Welsh side of the COT which can help to give Welsh members ideas of what is going on with the COT and what is happening in Wales within the OT profession.  The Welsh email list is managed by Ann Marie O'Hagan and it has recently been noticed that a lot of email addresses she has are bouncing back - this is likely to be due to the restructuring of the new Local Health Boards. 

If you used to receive these emails and are now not getting them or if you wish to simply be added to the mailing list, please send an email entitled 'Highlight Wales' to AnnMarie.O'hagan@cot.co.uk and you will be added onto the list. Please note that the distribution lists are North Wales, Mid & West Wales and South East Wales so please let her know what area of Wales you are working in so that you can be put onto the correct list.

Devolution, changing health and social care policy, new practice theories and techniques, HPC audit and the desire to do our best for service users and their families

These are just some of the reasons why you should get involved in your regional group. Additional advantages for you personally include:

• regular email updates on developments in Wales
• access to one of six local groups around Wales
• access to the Welsh Board, policy officer and other HQ officers to provide advice and support
• campaign and make your views known
• ability to influence the professional body and ensure it meets your needs
• access to CPD events locally, ability to ask for specific events
• regular briefings on policy, legislation and other issues affecting your practice
• peer support, guidance and networking