The UK has officially entered spring, the transition season between winter and summer. With longer days and warmer temperatures on the horizon, outdoor activities are becoming increasingly popular. One such activity is outdoor swimming, which has experienced a significant surge in popularity. Research from Sport England has shown that more than 4.1 million people swam in open water locations such as lakes, lochs, rivers, and seas between November 2017 and 2018.
In this issue, Alice Hortop shares how outdoor swimming aided her recovery from depression using the Handy OT Model, explained on pages 20–23.
Find out about Keir Harding in our Q&A on pages 16–18, who will give this year's prestigious Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture on a topic important to him and the occupational therapy profession.
The issue also features the inspiring story of Aaron Morgan, who raced motocross since he was seven but suffered a life-changing accident at the age of 15. With the help of his OT, Aaron found a new sense of purpose and freedom on the track again, this time racing cars for Team BRIT.
Stuart Barrow shares his reflections on the macro and micro elements of our lives and how productivity can be just as important as leisure and purpose. Meanwhile, Rhys Walden talks about his inspiring journey to qualify as an OT despite facing disability.
That’s just a taste of what’s inside this issue. Share your reflections, initiatives and service developments with us by emailing editorial@rcot.co.uk. And remember, all our issues are available online and in print.