Armed Forces Day: celebrating those who serve and the role of OT

Why Armed Forces Day matters to RCOT

The purpose of Armed Forces Day (27 June) is to celebrate those who serve, have served and their families, the Armed Forces Community. Armed Forces Day includes the cadet forces. There are 1,853,122 people within this community. You may encounter members of the Armed Forces Community across all areas of practice, and you or a colleague could be a member. Armed Forces Day offers an opportunity to encourage you to think about asking the question ‘Have you or are you connected to someone who serves? 'Have you or are you connected to someone who serves?’. 

This question opens the opportunity to learn more about the person and reflect on the role we as occupational therapists can play in supporting their health, wellbeing and participation in everyday life. It also may provide an opportunity to support individuals with access to appropriate support, for example through the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/ 

If you’re a veteran, have a family member in the Armed Forces, support veterans in your practice or are just interested in learning more, please dive into our Armed Forces community on the RCOT Communities platform to share, ask questions and connect. 

Join the Armed Forces professional community

While many people associate Armed Forces Day with parades, community events and public celebrations, it is also a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve, and the challenges that can continue long after military service ends.

Supporting the Armed Forces community

Occupational therapists work alongside people from all walks of life, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families. In recent years, a small but committed group of occupational therapists have come together to form a network, UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community. They meet online monthly to offer peer support and share learning. They have advocated for the needs of the Armed Forces Community through engagement with RCOT – leading to the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2025, joining thousands of organisations across the UK. 

By signing the Covenant, RCOT committed to developing a greater understanding of the experiences of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families. This reflects our values as a professional body focused on enabling people to participate fully in the activities, roles and routines that give their lives meaning.

UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community recently delivered an OTalk – the answers to which will guide the development of this community. Crucially, if you have a question or want to engage with them, please do. Monthly webinars are open to all occupational therapists so, if interested, please do join. 

Actions you can take:

• Join the RCOT Communities UK Armed Forces network.
• Demonstrate OT's impact by sharing your stories of how you or your team support the military community.
• Work with managers and leaders to invite a speaker to discuss what AHPs could be doing to better support the military community, or host a coffee event.
• Attend a local Armed Forces Day event in your area.
• Create a short presentation, blog or poster about OT topics that support the military community and others, for example: 
  • rehabilitation and recovery
  • vocational support and return to work
  • adaptive equipment and home modifications.
• Check-in on a colleague with a military background.
• Use the day to reflect on your practice, identify areas you need support and write a short CPD portfolio entry.

Recognising service, families and support networks

The UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community were fortunate to have a webinar with Dr Lucy Robinson, who shared her experience and research around military children in school. 

It was an opportunity to reflect on how children may be impacted by service – you can find the reflection on the Armed Forces network Communities page.

On this Armed Forces Day, we are reminded that military service affects more than those who wear a uniform.

Families and loved ones provide vital support – often showing resilience, adaptability and strength in ways that can go unseen. Their contribution deserves recognition too.

There are many organisations that support the wider Armed Forces community, including:

• SSAFA – which provides lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families
• Service Children's Progression (SCiP) Alliance – which works to improve educational outcomes for children from service families.

As we mark Armed Forces Day 2026, we celebrate the courage, dedication and service of the Armed Forces community. Whether through local events, conversations with colleagues or simply taking a moment to reflect, the day gives us all an opportunity to recognise the people behind the service and say thank you.

Thank you to our Armed Forces community leads

We would also like to offer our particular thanks the UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community, and all the members who use the network for their continued support, expertise and advocacy.

Their work helps raise awareness of the experiences of serving personnel, veterans and military families, while strengthening the role of occupational therapy in supporting the Armed Forces community.

We are grateful for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to keeping the needs of this community visible across our profession.