Welcome to our new regional contacts
Becky Micklethwaite (South East Regional Contact)
Hello. I moved fully into independent practice last June and haven’t looked back since! I like to say I am ‘flexibly busy’ - which means I’m probably busier now than I was in statutory healthcare, BUT I can now attend my kids important events - such as the school carol concert - so my work-life balance is better. My background is in neurorehabilitation and complex disability management, and I currently work as the treating therapist for children and young adults in the medico-legal sector.
I hope that being a member of the SSIP will enable me to support other occupational therapists starting out in independent practice. I quickly learnt that networking is critical for not only gaining referrals but also for building my confidence. The SE WhatsApp group is such a wonderfully supportive place and I hope to continue to build on this by organising face-to-face networking events in the new year!
Hayley Goodwin (Eastern Regional Contact)
Hello. When I joined SSIP there was no regional contact for the Eastern region, so I was grateful to be welcomed into the South East and London WhatApp Groups. I noticed there was a growing number of Eastern regional members who were asking for a separate Eastern WhatsApp group. And so, after speaking with Meera (London Regional Contact), I decided to go for it – to volunteer to be the Eastern Regional Contact and set up the WhatsApp group – so please join now!
I am fairly new to the independent sector. I left the NHS 1 year ago after spending 5 years trying to do both part-time NHS work and independent work. I live in Hitchin, Hertfordshire with my partner, 3 year old daughter, chocolate Labrador (who works with me) and a rescue cat (who thinks she is a dog). My business is based in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with my office just outside Hitchin. I am in the process of setting up a very small sensory integration clinic. I love sewing, yoga, walking and a good gin and tonic!
I am excited to meet and network with other occupational therapists working independently within our region. If anyone has any ideas for networking events and/or training opportunities, or would just like to get together with coffee (and maybe wine), then please do get in touch.
Leslie Wallace (Scotland Regional Contact)
Watch this space – Leslie’s introduction coming in the next edition.