What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a unique profession that acknowledges the link between the person, their occupations, environment and their health and wellbeing. To the profession ‘occupation’ means all the activities a person undertakes, enjoys and values.

Accident, illness and ageing can turn everyday activities into challenges which reduce independence and undermine our sense of identity.

Occupational therapists are health and social care professionals who help people of all ages carry out activities they need or want to do, but as a result of physical or mental illness, disability or being socially excluded, are prevented from doing so.

British Association of Occupational Therapists, 2011