News

Occupational Therapists (OTs) from across our organisation met up for the Occupational Therapy Advisory Committee (OTAC) showcases yesterday. The meeting brought together work from community learning disability services, eating disorders, adult community mental health and research — with the theme for OT Week 'participation'at the heart of the conversation.

OTs celebrated the role of occcupational therapy across our organisation, had the chance to share work and reflect on different areas of practice.

Through presentations and shared discussion, the team explored how occupational therapy supports people to take part in everyday activities that matter to them, across different services and roles, including presentations from:

Kristel Sebastian — Occupational Participation in Eating Disorders
Meredith Parkin — Research in Occupational Therapy
Holly Downing — Case study from Learning Disability Specialist Community Health Team
Gislaine Cruz — Case study from Adult Core team

Rachael Daniels, Consultant Occupational Therapist and Lead Occupational Therapist, said: "Our eating disorders presentation explored barriers to everyday participation, including the impact of sensory needs, routines and environments. Learning disability colleagues shared how joined-up multidisciplinary working can support meaningful participation and quality of life. We also heard about OT’s contribution to research, making studies more accessible and supporting people to take part.

"Alongside these presentations, we discussed how occupational therapists working in generic community roles can bring their professional skills and an occupation-focused perspective to their work.

"The meeting was an opportunity to connect, share learning and celebrate the breadth of occupational therapy across the organisation, with a shared focus on what matters to the people we support."

Thank you to everyone who presented, attended and contributed to the conversation. It was an opportunity to recognise colleagues’ contributions and consider what we can take forward into our own practice. Let’s keep participation at the heart of what we do.

Keeping participation visible on our wards

What matters to this person, and what helps them take part? This Occupational Therapy Week, we are highlighting the perspective OTs bring to ward care across our organisation. Safety and meaningful daily life belong in the same conversation.

When an activity or familiar item is restricted, what opportunity or everyday need is lost alongside it? OTs bring dignity, choice, connection and meaningful occupation into collaborative care planning. The aim is to consider what participation remains possible while maintaining necessary safeguards.

Any alternative must fit the person’s preferences, individual assessment and agreed safety plan. A participation-focused approach keeps everyday needs visible rather than viewing someone only through risk. Participation changes everything.