Occupational therapy plays a vital role in health, social care and society. It enables people to have fulfilling lives at home, at work, at school – and everywhere else – through meaningful occupations. It enables people to manage their health and care needs and to do the occupations that they want, need and like to do. Occupational therapists consider all aspects of an individual and their environments and work with them to create a plan to reach their goals.

An occupation isn’t just your job or activities of daily living. An occupation can be looking after yourself, such as washing, eating or sleeping; productive, such as work, study, caring or domestic activities; and leisure, such as playing sports, hobbies or socialising. An occupation is any meaningful activity that supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Occupational therapy is a solution to many of the UK’s health and care needs. By prioritising prevention and early intervention, occupational therapists help people manage their health and reduce the frequency and need for crisis interventions and care services. This will help people to manage their symptoms and needs, and reduce the requirement for hospital and specialist services.

By helping people live well for longer, occupational therapy saves money and reduces pressure on health and social care services. Within integrated health and care systems, occupational therapists can deliver better outcomes, reduce strain on health and social care resources, and create a more sustainable system for all.

The occupational therapy workforce needs to be positioned in communities to focus on prevention and early intervention. With an ageing population and an increasing complexity of needs, the requirement for occupational therapy will only rise. By working proactively with people where they are, we will empower people to manage their changing needs and reduce pressure on the NHS and the wider health and care system.

Occupational therapy is key to a better future for many people and must be included in the strategic planning and allocation of resources to manage health, education, housing and care needs in the UK.