Welcome to Occupational Therapy Week 2024! This year, I’m trying something a bit different. I’ll update this post daily throughout Occupational Therapy Week, reflecting on how occupational therapy transforms lives and shapes health and social care. Each day, I’ll add a fresh perspective on the impact of occupational therapy, sharing personal insights, stories, and ideas on how we can keep raising the profile of our profession. Join me each day as we celebrate the power of occupational therapy together!
Monday 4th November: The Heart of Occupational Therapy
Today marks the start of Occupational Therapy Week 2024, and I’m eager to share what makes occupational therapy so meaningful. Occupational therapy goes far beyond traditional treatment; it’s about fostering connections, empowering individuals, and bringing purpose and joy back into people’s lives. Occupational therapy isn’t about “fixing” what’s broken, it’s about understanding each person’s unique needs and addressing the barriers to engaging in the occupations they want and need to do, supporting them in their path towards well-being.
Occupational therapy serves as a bridge, helping people move towards living the life they want, engaging in what’s meaningful to them, and overcoming barriers they might face. This week, I hope to shift the conversation, showing that occupational therapy is more than a health service it’s a lifeline that offers support, hope, and empowerment to people in all walks of life.
Today was certainly a full-on Monday! As a Lead Occupational Therapist, Mondays are typically my busiest clinical day, and today was my first day back after some annual leave. Returning after a break can feel overwhelming, with a mountain of emails and admin to catch up on, but I started my day by focusing on what truly matters, the people we’re here to support.
The day began with a ward round, followed by a goal-setting session with a patient. Sessions like these remind me of the essence of occupational therapy: working alongside individuals to identify what’s meaningful to them and supporting them in reaching their goals. Thier goal was to go shopping tomorrow with an Assiatant Occupational Therapist to purchase a new fishing rod, so they could engage in an occupation they find meaning next week. After documenting the session in our electronic system, I moved on to a series of service-level meetings.
Later in the afternoon, I chaired our weekly occupational therapy service meeting, where occupational therapists across my area come together. This is a great opportunity to touch base, discuss cross-referrals, and support each other. This collaborative time is essential to help us maintain consistent, patient-centred care across our services.
The day didn’t end there. After catching up on some admin and checking in with a team member who had a challenging week, I headed home, sorted dinner, and logged back on at 6:30 pm for a meeting with the RCOT marketing team. It was a chance to work alongside my AbleOTUK colleague, Georgia, and give feedback on a campaign aimed at encouraging more people with lived experiences of disability and long-term health conditions to join the profession.
All in all, it was a full day that highlighted both the joys and challenges of occupational therapy. Days like today remind me that occupational therapy isn’t just a job it’s a commitment to supporting others and collaborating to bring meaningful changes to health and social care.
Tuesday 5th November Day 2 of Occupational Therapy Week: A Story of Transformation
Happy Bonfire Night! Today, as part of Occupational Therapy Week, I’m reflecting on the countless people I’ve had the privilege of working with and my own story of transformation. Occupational therapy isn’t just a job it’s a calling. The power of OT is evident in how it helps make environments more accessible and enables people to engage in what they want and need to do in the best way possible.
In 2020-2021, I faced a long and challenging journey of illness that reshaped many aspects of my life. Returning to work seemed like a distant hope, but with the help of occupational therapy, I found my way back. An occupational therapist from reablement services worked with me closely, helping me initially attend work and identifying adjustments needed in the environment to support my return as a wheelchair user.
The support I found in the long-term conditions network was a crucial part of my journey. This group allowed me to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges, creating a safe space to explore what reasonable adjustments I needed. Through this supportive environment, I gained the confidence to understand and articulate my needs. It not only helped me find my voice but also empowered me to advocate for others, helping them think about what support they might require.
Today was a busy one, typical of my role as a Lead Occupational Therapist. The morning started with a governance meeting for community services, followed by the November GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) National Mental Health Rehab Forum an opportunity to connect with others dedicated to making a difference in rehabilitation.
In the afternoon, I attended one of the two staff support networks I regularly participate in, offered by my trust—one for people with long-term health conditions and another for neurodiverse staff. For the first time, the long-term conditions group met in person, which was a fantastic opportunity to connect face-to-face with colleagues I’d only known online. Engaging in these networks keeps me grounded and supported at work, knowing I’m part of a community that truly “gets it.”
After wrapping up my day, I picked up my brother and niece, and we headed to my dad’s for a family Bonfire Night celebration in his garden. There’s nothing like the warmth of family, a crackling fire, and a sky full of fireworks to end a busy day.
Wednesday 6th November Day 3: Facing Barriers Head-On
Occupational therapy often starts with identifying barriers whether physical, social, or attitudinal that prevent people from living fully. Barriers to occupation are a frequent focus within our rehabilitation services, where we work to help individuals overcome obstacles that limit their engagement in meaningful activities. From environmental challenges to societal attitudes, addressing these barriers is central to supporting people in living the life they want.
I started off my day with a team call from a member of staff from the communications team at work. As part of Disability History Month, which starts on 14th November, I am hosting a number of creative writing sessions for staff to have the opportunity to write something about their lived experiences, which will then be shared trust-wide. During the conversation, I reflected on the barriers to work, which, of course, are often about the environmental layout but more frequently the attitudes and assumptions of others that impact my ability to engage in work.
Wednesdays are typically my day on-site at one of our mental health rehabilitation units, where I provide clinical supervision for the occupational therapy staff who work across both inpatient mental health rehab and the community rehabilitation team. The day began with a governance meeting for rehabilitation and specialist services, followed by another governance meeting in the afternoon, this time for inpatient services, which is where much of my clinical caseload is based.
I wrapped up the day with a supervision session for one of the occupational therapists in the community rehabilitation team. Supervision is a valuable opportunity to discuss the barriers our clients face and explore strategies to support them in overcoming these obstacles. In rehabilitation, we are constantly finding ways to address these challenges, step by step, enabling people to engage in occupations that bring meaning and purpose to their lives.
In the evening, I chaired the monthly AbleOTUK member support network meeting, held on the first Wednesday of each month. AbleOTUK is a dedicated network for occupational therapists and students with lived experience of disability and long-term health conditions. Our mission is to foster a supportive, inclusive community where members can connect, share experiences, and work toward greater inclusion and understanding in our profession.
These meetings offer a confidential space for members to ask questions, exchange insights, and discuss a range of topics. From exploring Wes Streeting’s vision for the NHS, managing fatigue, planning holidays, and tackling frustrations with equipment access to sharing relaxation tips and favourite TV shows, the conversations are varied and enriching. I find incredible value in hearing others’ perspectives and experiences.
Anyone interested in joining can visit the AbleOTUK website or social media pages to learn more and connect with us. Being part of AbleOTUK is incredibly rewarding, as it gives a platform to voices that understand the importance of accessible and inclusive occupational therapy from personal experience.
Thursday 7th November Day 4 : Innovations in Occupational Therapy
The field of occupational therapy is constantly evolving, driven by new research, technologies, and models of care that help us meet the diverse needs of those we support. Today, as part of Occupational Therapy Week, I want to highlight some of the latest innovations that are making a real difference in how we approach our work.
A key area of innovation is the increased focus on personalised, client-centred care models. These approaches prioritise each individual’s goals and values, allowing occupational therapists to co-create care plans that align with the person’s unique needs. This not only enhances engagement but also empowers people to take ownership of their rehabilitation journey.
Today, my own energy levels fluctuated due to my long-term health condition, so I adapted my day to meet my needs. I started the morning working from home, catching up on emails and preparing for the monthly Occupational Therapy Learning and Governance Network I host. For this month’s session, I’ve invited the Head of Co-Creation for the trust to join us, so the occupational therapists I lead can explore the concept of co-creation and consider how it might be best integrated within occupational therapy practice.
Later, I headed to base, where I completed a review session with a patient who had achieved all the goals we’d set earlier in the week. We began discussing plans for discharge and preparing for their discharge planning meeting tomorrow.
In the afternoon, I carried out a supervision session with an occupational therapist working in one of our Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). We discussed some research she’s currently conducting on the provision of occupational therapy for individuals in seclusion. Her work has included an audit of seclusion policies across mental health NHS trusts to examine whether they reference occupation or occupational therapy. She’s recently presented her findings at several conferences, which has been a valuable contribution to understanding the role of OT in these specialised settings.
I then chaired a meeting with other occupational therapists on the provision of the activity coordinator role across the trust. We discussed ongoing concerns and developed an action plan to drive improvements.
Tonight, I finally had a rare evening with no plans, which was a nice change! I relaxed at home and indulged in a bit of guilty pleasure TV—Married at First Sight is my current favourite!
Friday 8th November – Day 5: Sharing Your OT Story
Today, as part of Occupational Therapy Week, I’m reflecting on the importance of sharing our stories to highlight the impact of occupational therapy. Whether you’re an OT professional or someone whose life has been touched by OT, personal experiences help to raise the profile of our profession and convey its life-changing potential.
I spent today at an event focused on Embedding and Developing Collective Leadership. This gathering brought together professionals to explore collective leadership in health and social care, a concept that aligns closely with OT’s collaborative approach to empowering individuals and fostering teamwork. We participated in discussions, visioning exercises, and activities that emphasised the power of shared leadership, which ultimately improves outcomes for the people we support.
Midway through the event, I stepped out to attend a discharge planning meeting for a patient over Teams. While I can’t share specific details of this individual’s journey due to confidentiality, I can share a bit about the typical occupational therapy assessment and intervention process in mental health settings, which this case followed closely.
The OT Process
Initially, I gathered background information about the person and their history, which is essential in understanding their unique needs and context before we met. Our first assessment used the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA), a tool that helps individuals reflect on their own occupational performance and identify areas they want to improve. This was followed by a Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen (LACLS) in our second session, which assesses cognitive function and helps determine the level of support a person might need in daily activities.
Typically, I’d work with someone over 3-4 sessions, combining family input and observing various activities or occupations to get a well-rounded view of their skills and needs. Our final session involved a shopping and cooking activity, allowing me to assess this person’s current occupational performance skills in a practical, real-world setting.
After completing these assessments, I documented the findings and shared them with the ward team, the patient, and others involved in their care. The assessment indicated that the individual would benefit from a supportive living environment. I liaised with their community mental health nurse to begin the search for a suitable placement.
Intervention and Goal-Setting
While arrangements were being made, we moved on to intervention sessions, focusing on areas identified in the OT assessment that needed support. Together, we set goals around budgeting, shopping, cooking, and even purchasing a new fishing rod, which was meaningful to them. These practical skills will help them engage in the occupations they need, want, and are required to do as they transition to supported living.
This evening, I have a meeting with Andy, a colleague from AbleOTUK, and Wendy Bryant, a retired occupational therapist and author of Rest-Do Days. We’re currently developing an article together that we hope to publish in OT News. Our article will explore concepts from Wendy’s book, and reflect on understanding and managing fatigue, highlighting how rest as an occupation is an essential part of maintaining personal well-being.
Saturday 9th November 2024 : Celebrating Achievements
Today, as part of Occupational Therapy Week, I’m reflecting on achievements and celebrating both personal milestones and the progress we’ve made in promoting OT. Saturdays are normally my rest days, which I rely on to recharge and conserve energy so I can work full time. However, today was a bit different as I collected my new, specially adapted car with my mum! This car has been modified for my needs, with a ramp in the back for my wheelchair and a left-sided accelerator, which allows me to drive and travel independently. Having this adapted vehicle means I can access places on my own, which is incredibly empowering.
After collecting the car, we enjoyed lunch together, and then family members came round to help me transfer everything from my old car to the new one and give the old car a thorough clean before handing it to my mum to use. This isn’t an occupation I could manage on my own, so I really depend on others for support with tasks like these. Part of the role of an occupational therapist is to work with people to adapt, change, or grade occupations to suit their abilities, whether that involves developing strategies, using equipment, or, as in my case, accepting and coordinating support from others to accomplish what’s needed.
It’s a reminder of how valuable it is to have a supportive network that allows us to engage in everyday tasks, each in our own way.
Sunday 10th November Looking Ahead to a Year of Transformation
As Occupational Therapy Week wraps up, the campaign is only just beginning. Over the next year, I’ll be sharing updates, success stories, and resources that demonstrate the power of OT and its transformative impact on lives. Together, let’s position OT at the heart of health and social care and continue advocating for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and support for those we serve.
Today was a challenging one, as I needed to rest all day and wasn’t able to leave my bed. I relied on my husband to help me with daily activities, reminding me of the importance of support networks and the role that OT plays in assisting people with their daily occupations. Experiencing this firsthand reinforces my commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical or mental health, has access to the right resources and support to lead fulfilling lives.
Thank you for joining me this OT Week, and I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to share the incredible value of occupational therapy.