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Meet our volunteers – Dion

RCOT
01 June 2022

Dion Sutton is one of our many valued volunteers at RCOT. He is a committee member for the RCOT Wales (Cymru) region. We caught up with Dion to learn more about his career and hear why he chooses to volunteer with RCOT.

RCOT volunteer Dion Sutton
Tell us about your day job.
I am a newly qualified community occupational therapist. I’m responsible for assessing needs and providing appropriate recommendations and interventions to enable those who require our service to live and remain as independent as possible within their homes, utilising an outcomes focused approach.
 
What was it that attracted you to a career in occupational therapy?
My mother was an occupational therapy assistant working with children with additional learning needs for most of her career. This inspired me to consider a career in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a unique health profession and I believe, one of the primary reasons I wanted to become an occupational therapist was the idea of enabling someone to achieve what is most important to them, using occupation in a person-centred way.
 
Why did you decide to join RCOT and how long have you been with us?
I began volunteering with RCOT in September 2021. A mentor inspired me to join RCOT suggesting I would enjoy the experience, and this has certainly been true. In addition, I have had the opportunity to develop skills in areas that I never thought I would. It has also significantly contributed to my personal and professional development.
 
What attracted you to volunteering for RCOT?

I believe RCOT has promoted such a positive impact throughout the occupational therapy community, I was excited to become a part of it! The role has allowed me to truly appreciate all the work and commitment that the RCOT members do. Volunteering on top of a full-time job was never something I initially considered, but I felt that this was an opportunity not to be missed.
 
How has your volunteer role helped you, personally and professionally?
I am currently undertaking my first year in practice preceptorship and volunteering for RCOT has given me innovative ways of evidencing my personal and professional development. I have also been able to advocate the benefits of joining RCOT to current occupational therapy university students. As well as being offered new and exciting projects to become a part of!

Would you recommend volunteering with RCOT to others?
 Absolutely, I think no matter where you are in your occupational therapy journey, it is something I would urge you to consider doing. Each of us have different and valuable perspectives, skills, and experiences. Representation is important and is something that RCOT does well to celebrate.

 

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