Raising the profile of Equity, Diversity and Belonging in Wales

In the November issue of OTnews, our newly co-opted EDB Representative, Thomas, summarised his attendance at an event about the next steps for the Welsh Government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. The action plan sets out the Welsh Government’s aims to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe and the next steps event highlighted the need for ongoing action to support LGBTQ+ populations. Thomas also reflected on why he thinks it is important for all occupational therapists to be mindful of and actively consider the intersecting needs of LGBTQ+ people accessing their services. 
 
Whilst Thomas has a personal interest in supporting LGBTQ+ populations, in his new EDB Representative committee role he aims to broaden his knowledge about other under-represented communities and hopes to raise the profile of EDB for occupational therapists in Wales. Look out for opportunities to get involved or learn more about EDB in the new year. 
 
“Equity, Diversity and Belonging” will hopefully become a more familiar phrase for occupational therapists in 2024, with RCOT having published its first EDB strategy at the end of November 2023. The strategy sets out the vision, strategic priorities and aims in relation to wider strategic direction of the profession. The EDB Strategy, and the upcoming action plan (due to be launched in January 2024), will be the key to supporting RCOT achieve its aim to become an anti-discriminatory and anti-racist organisation. 
 
However, a key message from the RCOT EDB strategy is that Equity, Diversity and Belonging is all our responsibility, so why not take the opportunity to read through it online? It is available in Welsh and English, and also a number of different formats.  
 
Mae tegwch, amrywiaeth a pherthyn yn gyfrifoldeb i ni i gyd. 
 
Equity, diversity and belonging is all our responsibility.