This year in Occupational Therapy (OT) Week – 6–12 November – the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) will be celebrating the meaning of occupations in the context of occupational therapy. The campaign aims to create a better understanding of occupations, to help people everywhere value the power of occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists around the UK are planning events to help talk to their health and social care colleagues about the meaning of occupations for them, and how it relates to all aspects of what they do.
In the context of occupational therapy, an occupation is any activity that we need, want or like to do to live and maintain our physical and mental health and our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Occupations vary from person to person depending on their environment, interests and values, and change throughout our lives. They cover everything from washing and dressing, to working and studying, to playing sports, to socialising with friends.
Because of the multiple meanings of the word occupation, occupational therapy is often misunderstood and undervalued, even among health and social care professionals. That's why, this year, health and social care professionals are encouraged to get involved with OT Week. They can speak to their occupational therapist colleagues about what they do, ask questions about the meaning of occupations in the context of occupational therapy, and about why they matter.
Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said:
‘Occupations, in the context of occupational therapy, give meaning and purpose to our lives. They shape who we are, help us connect with others and give us our identity and sense of belonging. When we can’t do an occupation anymore or we need to adjust the way we do it, because of ill health or other barriers, our sense of self and purpose may change. Occupational therapy helps people overcome challenges in carrying out occupations so they can get the most out of life, and that’s what we’re celebrating this year for OT Week.’
RCOT will be providing a range of resources to help occupational therapists talk to their colleagues about their roles. There will also be an online panel discussion for occupational therapists on Tuesday 7 November to help them break the barriers and start conversations about occupations in the context of occupational therapy.
To find out more about occupations and occupational therapy go to: rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/what-is-occupational-therapy
For more information on how you can support OT Week 2023, visit: rcot.co.uk/OTWeek23stakeholders