Thursday 22 May 2014

UCLan Past supports Health Mela

Dan with 2nd year student Ellie Newby
UCLan PaST undergraduates took part in the hugely successful Preston Health Mela 2014 held at the Guild Hall earlier this month.

First year student and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) representative Dan Roberts led the group who promoted the CSP's 'Physiotherapy Works' campaign at the event.

The students provided visitors to the Mela, a Sanskrit word for gathering, with evidence that physiotherapy helps with a wide range of conditions.

"I took to asking people on the day what was the first thing they thought when they heard physiotherapy, and, of course, most people related it to sport," said Dan.

"It was really about educating people that physiotherapy can offer a lot more than that."

His advice to physiotherapy students is this type of public engagement can help develop good communication skills, and is a useful addition to placements.

"Continuing professional development is being pushed at the moment, and this type of activity is something students can add to their portfolio. When it comes to graduation and interviews, it's good for us to speak about and reflect on what we've learned from this kind of experience."

The Mela was organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing and sponsored by organisations including local councils and NHS trusts.

More pictures from the event (courtesy of Keith Byers) can be viewed here.

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