1. Home
  2. Latest news
  3. Northern ireland policy and public affairs update – july

Northern Ireland policy and public affairs update

By: Cliona McSherry – Policy and Public Affairs Lead (Northern Ireland) 21 August, 2026 Blog 3 minute read

July update – Families, inquiries and manifestos

Keep up to date with the latest policy news

Image
illustration of person in a wheelchair

RCOT Northern Ireland Policy Bluesky account

RCOT Northern Ireland Communities discussion

Download the RCOT Communities app

 

We're helping to make sure occupational therapy is visible in key decisions across Northern Ireland – and we want you to be part of that momentum too.

Together for Families Submission

What’s happening: 

We submitted a briefing to the Department of Health highlighting the role occupational therapists can play within the Together for Families programme and calling for investment in dedicated occupational therapy posts as part of its implementation.

Why this matters to you: 

Together for Families will shape how early intervention and family support services are delivered across Northern Ireland. This is an important opportunity to ensure occupational therapists are recognised for their expertise in supporting participation, emotional regulation, family resilience and preventing needs from escalating.

What we’re doing: 

Drawing on member expertise, we developed a briefing that sets out the value of occupational therapy in family support and preventative services, and advocates for occupational therapists to be embedded within Together for Families and Edge of Care pathways across all Trusts. 

Other key stories

Connect with other Northern Irish OTs on RCOT Communities 

RCOT Communities is your space to:

  • connect with local professionals
  • share resources, news and opportunities
  • plan influencing work. 

RCOT Northern Ireland Communities discussion

Download the RCOT Communities app

Relevant content