Participation Changes Everything: Occupational Therapy Week 2026
Participation Changes Everything
Across the UK, there is growing recognition that support should work around people's lives, not the other way round. As services increasingly focus on prevention, participation and person-centred support, occupational therapy has an essential role to play.
Occupational therapists are experts in participation
When barriers get in the way, occupational therapists are experts in enabling participation. By adapting environments, building skills and finding practical solutions, they help people continue doing the things they need, want and love to do.
Occupational therapists work across homes, communities, schools, workplaces and health and care services, helping people overcome barriers and take part in everyday life. By enabling participation, they help people learn, work, connect, contribute and live well.
Across the UK, there is growing recognition that support should work around people's lives, not the other way round. Occupational therapists take the time to understand people's goals, aspirations and daily lives, ensuring support is centred on what matters to them.
Where occupational therapy is making a difference
Occupational therapists work across schools, communities, workplaces, GP surgeries, hospitals and care settings, helping people participate in the activities that matter to them.
Helping children and young people thrive
Occupational therapists support children and young people to participate in education, friendships, family life and the activities that matter to them. By identifying needs early and working with families, schools and communities, they help prevent challenges from escalating and create the conditions for children to thrive.
In one school, small sensory changes in the dining room helped more neurodivergent children eat lunch with friends and stay focused in lessons.
Helping people access, stay in and return to work
Good work supports health, wellbeing and financial security. Occupational therapists help people overcome barriers to work, training and education through practical solutions that support participation and reduce the impact of illness or disability.
In Lothian, occupational therapists support employees with complex health needs to stay in or return to work. More than 90% of employees who were absent from work returned to work, while all those still working stayed in post.
Helping people stay connected and age well
Occupational therapists help people remain active, connected and involved in the activities, relationships and communities that matter to them as they age. By providing support earlier, they help people maintain independence, prevent escalating need and continue living well.
At Blackpool Victoria Hospital, occupational therapists helped 71% of people assessed in A&E avoid admission and return home safely with the right support in place.
TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones MBE said:
Occupational therapists are vital because they give people the skills and confidence to regain their independence. They can lift people out of depression or anxiety, they can recommendation adaptations or assistive equipment, and they can help children with developmental differences to play to learn skills and build relationships.