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A second cohort of Members and Student Members recently attended the Insight Day at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall. They were accompanied by Society of Sports Therapists Director Keith Waldon and it provided him with an ideal chance to see once again what a great opportunity this is for Society Members. Keith captured his thoughts about the day: ‘This was another day of celebration for The Society of Sports Therapists,  and for me personally. Having been instrumental in negotiating for our members to be accepted as Rehabilitation Instructors, I was delighted to see nine of our Members at this open day. In previous Open Days, even larger groups of our students had attended. The facilities are phenomenal to which previous reports have alluded. What struck me was the collaboration of all the staff, from top down, to produce the best Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for service personnel.  It is a model for any team who are responsible for groups of performers, whether Sport, Dance, Business or Medicine. Everyone inputs into the weekly MDT meeting leaving no stone unturned in seeking optimum outcomes. This environment offers an outstanding opportunity for any Graduate Sports Therapist to build on and expand their capabilities to work in Sports Therapy in whatever guise that is. In addition to the wonderful rehabilitation centre at Stanford Hall, the Military have 13 regional rehab centres plus a number of local centres all around the country, so the opportunities are there for those Graduate Sports Therapists who would like a fantastic opportunity to work with the elite. Warrant Officer Phil Thompson and his team made us all feel very welcome. The talks from staff members demonstrated knowledge of their specific discipline but also how they blend these skills for the benefit of everyone in their care.’ Keith Waldon ** If you have been inspired by Keith’s words or indeed our previous in-depth ARTICLE  you have two more opportunities this year to visit DMRC Stanford Hall on an Insight Day – Tuesday 12th September . Email admin@society-of-sports-therapists.org and tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in attending. Please state which is your preferred date. Jasmine McLean – Hartpury Warren Davis – Coventry Vainius Zukauskas – Coventry Zachary Ford – Coventry Penny Jones-Mackay – Coventry Alice Richards – Lincoln Rob Holmes – Solent Jazzie Goodings – Chichester Ellie-Mae Staniforth – Gloucester

A message from: Dr Jim Kerss (FSEM), Dr Jon Houghton (FSEM), Dr Dane Vishnubala (University of Leeds/BASEM), the FSEM and University of Leeds Research team members. ***DEADLINE: 9th June 2023 We are carrying out research to create a consensus via Delphi methodology for a Team Care syllabus through the University of Leeds, in partnership with the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine. This national syllabus will encompass doctors, physiotherapists, sports rehabilitators and Sports therapists. We hope this will influence future job descriptions and recruitment into a team care practitioner role. This Delphi and its outcomes will also influence the final syllabus to be used for the new FSEM Team Care Diploma exam. A Delphi consensus requires an expert panel to review and comment on the proposed draft syllabus. The original syllabus was developed by FSEM using a group of experienced clinicians in team care. For the expert panel to review this syllabus, we are looking for individual health care professionals, with expertise in team care, from the above professional groups to join our expert panel. Please see the links below to view the patient information sheet and to apply, the links also provide further information on the study, and also on the eligibility required to join the expert panel. Eligibility Survey and application to join the expert panel: https://york.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5nLjGf74m2dVm6O (DEADLINE: 9th June 2023) Patient Information Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5zk84J1e-w8MbhqX_iZHQFjm3mMAm5s/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107403964910796898589&rtpof=true&sd=true You will be provided with certificates of participation. If you have any further questions, contact information will be provided on the eligibility questionnaire, please feel free to get in touch.    

Elevate 2023: ‘CONNECTING FITNESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT THERAPY’ This FREE to attend show will for the first time see five Members representing The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST). Four Members will be participating in Moving Well : Prehab and Rehab. Dale Forsdyke will be participating in a discussion in the Thought Leaders Performance part of the conference. They are: ADAM GAUNT    Senior MSK Clinician, Team Leader Connect Health and Business Owner – Adam Gaunt Sports Therapy. Presentation: Rehabilitation in Youth Sport: Using fun and games to build resilience. Wednesday 14th June  12.55 – 13.35                                                                                                                                                                           MIKE HINE Head of Medical Performance Port Vale Football Club Presentation: ‘It’s not just about the game: conditioning, performance and rehabilitation Wednesday 14th June: 15.55 -16.35     KIM HUTT Head of Student  Welfare London Studio Centre Presentation: Dance Science in Performing Arts    Thursday 15th June: 9.55 – 10.35     KIRSTEN WING  Lecturer in Sports Therapy University of Gloucestershire Presentation: “Learning though play: The BOING evaluation”-  Building an Active Nation  Thursday 15th June: 14.55 -15.35     DALE FORSDYKE   Senior Lecturer Sports Therapy York St John University, York City Regional Talent Club Discussion: Connected health- the value of aligned therapies to the physical activity and fitness industry and how integration will benefit everyone    Thursday 15th June: 13.50 – 14.25 Members can attend ELEVATE – FREE OF CHARGE  Register FREE HERE

Paddy Gaffey, award winner of The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST), Transplant Sport Travelling Scholarship to the World Transplant Games in Perth Australia Games is back in the UK, having had the time of his life. The Award enabled Paddy, a Graduate of Hartpury University, to be part of the GB and Northern Ireland Therapy team, co-led by SST Honorary Member Sheila Leddington Wright and SST Member Thomas Hames. Paddy, joined the team of 4 therapists, including Society Members Louise Anderson and Harry Pitt together with Dr Lisa O’Halloran, Lead Sports Performance Psychologist and Rebecca Mayne, Assistant Psychologist, where he played a key therapy role, supporting the transplantees. Hayley Clarke, Chair of The SST’s Communications Group interviewed Paddy before he departed for Australia and she has since caught up with him on his return to find out how it all went.

The TCS London Marathon 2023 was a brilliant occasion and saw a number of charities benefitting from the skills of Sports Therapy students and staff from Society accredited universities. Each year, university groups make the journey to London to support runners raising funds for their chosen charity, by providing them with some well-earned post-event massage. It’s a great opportunity for students to get some live event experience and giving up your free time on a Sunday is greatly appreciated. Below is a list of Universities that we know took part (largely through some great photos and posts on Twitter and Instagram). If your University was there and we have missed you – our apologies but please do let us know, send us any photos or links and we will add you to the list. If you were there with your club or clinic or representing an organisation or simply supporting some mates, please do let us know and be sure to send us some photos. And if you took part and raised funds for a charity we would love to hear from you – send to comms@thesst.org Well done to all! University Charity(/ies)  University College Birmingham (UCB) Childrens’ Trust Solent University Evelina London, Guy’s Cancer Charity, MS Trust Birmingham City University (BCU) Children with Cancer UK University of Hertfordshire Asthma + Lung UK University of East London (UEL) Barnardos University of Essex MS-UK Worcester University Sarcoma UK, Wellchild

Members of The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST) will be playing a leading role in looking after the GB & N.I. athletes at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia (15th-21st April 2023). Thomas Hames, Sports Therapy Course Leader at Coventry University and Honorary SST Member Sheila Leddington Wright will co-lead the team which includes Hartpury University Graduate Patrick Gaffey, winner of The SST /Transplant Sport Travelling Scholarship, together with Coventry University Graduates Louise Anderson and Harry Pitt. The therapy team are expected to be kept busy throughout the 7 days of the Games. The GB team comprises of 135 athletes with ages ranging from 12-73. The athletes have survived either a heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, small bowel, or bone marrow transplant. Sheila said: ‘Transplant athletes really are very special people. They have been through life changing operations and have been given the gift of life, which they are grabbing with both hands. ‘Each athlete will have their own unique physical and psychological demands which can often be quite different from dealing with an able-bodied athlete. It can be challenging but equally very inspiring and rewarding.’ It’s an exciting time for all of the therapists and in particular for  Patrick Gaffey, who said: “Since graduating with my degree in Sports Therapy, I have tried to take every opportunity I can to improve myself as a therapist. This (Travelling Scholarship) was not only a good opportunity for me to improve my skill set but also to learn how sports therapists can support transplant athletes, to represent The Society of Sports Therapists at an international event and meet some amazing people with some amazing life experiences. “Learning more about Transplant Sport, I now find myself talking about organ donation more, day to day. I quickly realised this opportunity wasn’t like anything else. It was completely different due to the fact that all athletes have been involved in an organ transplant process. They are all inspiring people that I can hopefully get to know better during my time in Perth.” The SST has been delighted once again to support the Transplant Sport Therapy team through sponsorship. This year part of the funding has provided the team with a therapist for the Games in the form of Patrick Gaffey and the remainder has been made available for medical supplies and sundries. Aside from Paddy, the rest of the team have had to raise their own funds to travel to Australia; neither the athletes or the therapy team receive any funding from The Lottery, UK Sport. If you would like to add further support to the team you can still donate via: Sheila Leddington Wright is fundraising for Transplant Sport UK (justgiving.com) or Harry Pitt is fundraising for Transplant Sport UK (justgiving.com) Organ donation facts and figures As of May 2020, the law around organ donation in England changed. All adults in England are now considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups (under 18, lacking mental capacity, visitors to England, those who have lived in England less than 12 months before death). This is commonly referred to as an ‘opt out’ system. You may also hear it referred to as ‘Max and Keira’s Law’. You still have a choice whether or not you wish to become a donor. Organ donation can only happen in a small number of cases. Around 500,000 people die every year in the UK, but only around 1 in 100 of them die in circumstances where they are able to donate their organs. Organs can only be transplanted very soon after someone has died, and they need to be in a usable condition. Donors can usually only be people who have died in a hospital intensive care unit or accident and emergency department. Due to these constraints, every potential donor is precious. Your family would always be involved before donation takes place, so it is really important that you choose whether you want to be a donor and discuss what you want to happen with your family, so your decision is clear and they can have peace of mind knowing that your decision is being honoured. Your faith and beliefs will also always be taken into consideration before organ donation goes ahead. There is no deadline to make your decision. You are free to register your decision whenever you like, and organ donation remains your choice. Anthony Nolan and stem cell donation Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer. The charity uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer and blood disorder patients in need of stem cell transplants.

An invitation to visit The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall for an Insight Day was one not to be missed for a group of Society Members and Students. It was just over 4 short months ago that Major Stephen Chappell and Warrant Officer Russell Hughes announced at The SST’s University Forum that Graduate Sports Therapists were to be accepted by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), to work as Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERI). So, it came as no surprise that interest would be high for the chance to find out a little more about what life might be like, working at the MOD’s state-of-the-art clinical rehabilitation facility for injured service men and women. The Society of Sports Therapists’ (The SST) group were part of a 60 strong delegation from a variety of different disciplines. Vice Chair Dr Lynsey Northeast, (Course Leader at Solent University) and Communications Group Chair Hayley Clarke, (Lecturer at Coventry University) also joined the day, to find out more both from Society Member and University perspectives. We caught up with them for a brief chat. Lynsey said: ‘The day was a great mix of presentations, guided tours and discussions, led by Warrant Officer Phil Thompson, who had coordinated the day. ‘The facilities are everything you could hope for as a Graduate Sports Therapists and all housed all in this one facility. From an imaging set up with MRI, X-Ray and Ultrasound to hydrotherapy facilities, an aquatic therapy complex with swimming pool, underwater treadmill and cameras, several fully equipped gyms, a biomechanics lab, a physiology lab and so much more – it really is an amazing facility.’ A visit to the Prosthetics centre proved a fascinating way to start to the tour. Hayley said: ‘It was great to be able to understand the whole process in the Prosthetics Centre from assessing the patient, to the designing, producing and actual fitting of the prosthesis; such a key phase in the rehab process.’ Mental trauma is often the hidden consequence of injury suffered, so a project workshop designed to rebuild confidence, develop and fine tune skills and dexterity, forms a key element  of the rehabilitation process. Hayley continued: ‘The injured personnel can undertake design style projects such as woodwork and  metal work, including making the famous metal poppies and there’s even a donated car in situ  which they can work on.’ Research is vitally important to the military, none more so than in the medical field. Dr Russ Coppack, Head of Research at the Centre gave an overview of the various research projects being undertaken, including a twenty-year study into mental health in the military. The afternoon brought tours of neuro, complex trauma and the nursing ward, led by an ERI Lynsey said: ‘The nursing ward was completely adapted to the types of patients being admitted, with built in hoists to aid the patients to get around, enabling movement from bed to shower and toilet facilities; so giving them that extra element of independence. ‘We heard about the different types of neurological conditions that they deal with and saw the assessment and rehabilitation rooms. Regaining independence is very much part of the rehabilitation process; they even have a small kitchen to re-educate patients and help prepare them for certain aspects of civilian life, once discharged from the military. It is very much about confidence and quality of life going forwards.  We also visited the complex trauma area learning about the different pathologies they see and the work they do with them.’ ‘The day finished with a discussion about the ERI roles and opportunities available. There are currently 55 ERI MOD posts across the country with 9 more based at DMRC.’ For Hayley, the day reflected huge potential for Society Members. She said: ‘A truly fantastic day! I feel privileged to have witnessed not only the world class facilities but how the day showcased a real MDT ethos and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The role of ‘Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor’ is an incredible opportunity in which our members can play a key part in the rehabilitation of injured military personnel.’ Lynsey concluded: ‘As a long- standing Member of the Society I am delighted to see job opportunities like this opening up. The learning opportunities here are immense and it just further highlights the positive regard in which Society Members are held.’ ‘This is undoubtedly a great collaboration and The SST is looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership.’ Many thanks to Lynsey and Hayley and a special thanks to Hayley for some super photos! Dates for Your Diary If this chat whetted your appetite, there are two further Insight Days at DMRC: 6th June 2023 12th September 2023 Places are limited so if you are interested and serious about working in this arena, email:  Admin@thesst.org with your contact details and what you are currently doing work or study wise.

Edge Hill University (EHU) Sports Therapy students got to showcase their skills last month supporting cyclists during the Doddie Cup 555. The charity event pulled together people from across the UK, including a host of sports stars led by rugby legend Rob Wainwright and Sir Chris Hoy MBE, to cycle an astounding 555 miles from Cardiff to Edinburgh in just 48 hours. The journey which took the riders from Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, aimed to raise funds and awareness of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation; the charity was founded by Scottish Rugby player Doddie Weir OBE, who was diagnosed with MND back in 2017 and sadly passed away from the disease in November last year. EHU Sports Therapy students were brought in to help at the first ‘pit stop’ in England, at Orrell Rugby Football Club in Wigan, following the first leg of the journey through Wales. Twenty EHU students took part, volunteering their skills and time to support the cyclists by providing soft tissue massage. Senior Lecturer Lynsey Wilson took charge of recruiting students and helped coordinate efforts on the day. She said: ‘We had thought a small number of students would volunteer but in fact a third of the cohort took part which was fantastic. ‘It was such a great opportunity for them not only to apply their skills and gain valuable experience but also to work on their communication skills and ability to undertake work-based learning. ’The logistics on the day were arranged by Altius Healthcare with one of their staff members setting up the room, getting the plinths etc and helping the students with their techniques. It was all a great team effort.’   When the cyclists finally arrived at Murrayfield Stadium, home of Scotland rugby, their efforts were recognised when they presented the match ball to The MND Association’s Royal Patron HRH Princess Anne and the Scottish and Welsh rugby teams, before their Six Nations match at Murrayfield. It was a great event for the students to take part in and here’s what just some of the EHU Sports Therapy students thought about it: ‘I thought it would be good for me to get some more experience treating patients of different demographics, in a different environment (which was very friendly and relaxed on the day). Right from the start I could tell how efficient and well run the event was and how we (as therapists) would easily slot into the system they had going. Treating and massaging different people of different ages and backgrounds helped me develop a further understanding about how treatment needs to be tailored to each individual. It also made me realise how quickly I (as a therapist) am able to build relationships with patients and just how important these relationships could be within my future practice.” Joseph Bartley   ” This incredible experience gave me the chance to gain experience in a real-world sport setting. With the support of my colleagues, I was given a platform to thrive and learn whilst adding fuel to my passion for helping others. Seeing the impact my brief interaction with each rider had on their success in the event has made my confidence soar whilst also providing me with excellent examples I can use to show the extent of my skills in future career aspirations.” Abby Coleman   “It was a great opportunity to be a part of (this event) especially for such a good cause. Taking part not only allowed for Edge Hill Sports Therapy to be represented but allowed me to practise and develop massage and soft tissue techniques while being able to make connections that could be beneficial in the future.” Julie Bryce “Assisting with the Doddie Weir 555 was an amazing opportunity for me to gain valuable experience working alongside professional athletes and putting the skills that I have learned into practice. As a follower of rugby, I was aware of the event prior to the invitation to assist, and it was a great privilege to support the athletes on their journey to Edinburgh. Being part of this amazing charity event made me feel a valued member of the sporting community and proud of the sports therapy profession. This event gave me an alternative experience than working one to one in a clinic, it was fast-paced, exciting and also highlighted the importance of the role of a sports therapist. If this opportunity should arise for future sports therapy students, I would highly recommend for them to take part.” Nicole Smith Members looking to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’s cause can still do so at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DoddieCup555 until 31st March.

A job ad recently shared by The Society of Sports Therapists (The SST ) stated ‘Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor Ministry of Defence (MOD) …. Open to Graduate Sports Therapists…. Brand new opportunity for SST Members’ It’s a new and exciting pathway for utilising your Sports Therapy skills and knowledge, The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), based at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough, replaced the world- famous Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, in Surrey. This state of the art facility provides support for Armed Forces personnel suffering from a range of injuries and neurological conditions. Following lengthy discussions, the Ministry of Defence (MOD)  has now recognised that Graduate Sports Therapists who are Members of The SST have the knowledge and skills to support rehabilitating injured personnel back to fitness. If you are looking for a change of direction or, as a student, you are thinking about where your Sports Therapy degree might take you, the DMRC is running a series of open days to give you an insight into a career with the military. Dates for your Diary:  Insight Days at The DMRC  28th March 2023 6th June 2023 12th September 2023 What to Expect The day will consist of a series of talks and presentations, a tour of the facilities, discussions and a Q and A session. It is a full day and will give you a great insight into the world of rehabilitating injured personnel. Interested and Serious? There will be limited places on each day so if you are interested and serious about working in this arena, email Admin@thesst.org with your contact details and what you are doing work or study wise. Read more about the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre here: The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (thednrc.org.uk)