Occupational Therapy Hello there! We are the Derby Occupational Therapy Society (D.O.T.S)! We are an award-winning, free society by and for OT students. At DOTS, we aim to Inform, Impact and Inspire. This means we want to tell people about OT, create positive change and relationships in our university and wider community, and inspire OT students to learn and grow more while we study. This year, we are focused on building community within the OT year groups and supporting OT students to connect and learn with others. Some of the events we host are: Craft Cafe: a weekly craft and chill group to meet other OT students and relax. Join in our group craft or do your own independent one! Drop-in Study Group: a weekly study group in the library for all OT students. Come and get support from others, learn through teaching, or just use the group to keep yourself focused. The Huddle: a weekly online peer-support group for the cohort currently out on placement where you can bring your experiences, advice and challenges to people who understand. Dog walks: Usually on a saturday once a month, a family-friendly dog walk with our committee, members and members of the public. Don't have a dog? Borrow one of ours, or just join for the walk. Charity fundraisers: Cake sales, dog walks and more we've supported charities like SignHealth and the PDSA before. Educational events: We've arranged external speakers and educational sessions to learn about topics related to OT. Our sessions starting September 2026 are: Thursdays, beginning 24th September (1500-1700) - GIAG Craft Cafe - T012 (OT Kitchen) Tuesdays, beginning 28th September (1500-1700) - Drop-in Study Group - Downstairs in Ked Road Library (check Insta for exact location) Wednesdays, beginning 30th September (1900-1945) - The Huddle (Students on placement only) - MS Teams call New students: We'll be giving out leaflets at our stall at Fresher's fair! Keep an eye out for our mascot, OT-Rex. Don't be put off - he's vegetarian! And if you want to come to one of our events but you're feeling nervous and want a buddy, email us using the sidebar. We can have a committee member introduce themselves and check in with you during the session. In line with our OT values, we are committed to valuing diversity and inclusion. We aim to make our events accessible to students but let us know if you have access requirements feel free to contact us and we can let you know of any solutions. We are looking for more committee members! Some of the roles we are looking for are: Education officer – To manage DOTS educational aspects including: creating resources related to specific topics, liaising with activities to create themed events, organizing for external speakers events and educational events. Equality Officer – to make sure DOTS opportunities, events and information are accessible and promote equality in line with our OT values. To promote and organize events centred on equality, liberation and diversity. Charity officer – to provide information about relevant charities to members and organize fundraising events. If you're interested in any of these roles, or can think of another role you'd like to take on, email us! Some of the awards we've been nominated for/won in the previous years: 2026: Community of The Year (Nominated) Community Committee of The Year (Nominated) Most Inclusive Community (Nominated) Community Collaboration of The Year 2026 (with The Music Theatre Society) (Nominated) Silver Communities Recognition Award 2025: Charitable Champion Bronze Award Union Colours Union Honours Academic Society of The Year 2024: Most Improved Society Bronze Award Sign up for a free membership in the sidebar! We can't wait to meet you!