Becoming an OT: A Journey of Resilience, Equity, and Systemic Change

 

 

I never imagined my early life would shape me into the occupational therapist I am today. Growing up, I faced barriers to learning, undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD symptoms which made school a struggle. Failing exams left me feeling like I was always a few steps behind, and moving house seven times only reinforced a sense of instability. I left education and bounced from one job to another, but none provided a sense of purpose. Without meaningful engagement in employment and no clear direction, I experienced frustration, disconnection, and ultimately, periods of depression. 

 

Everything changed when I took a role as a healthcare assistant in a forensic unit. It was one of the most challenging environments I had ever worked in, not least because of an unhealthy workplace culture that often failed to prioritise dignity, autonomy, and person-centred care. However, amidst that setting, I found clarity. The occupational therapists stood apart, not only in how they supported people but in their unwavering focus on agency, empowerment, and meaningful participation. They weren’t just managing limitation; they were unlocking potential. 

 

Inspired, I chose to become an occupational therapist, committed to shaping services that prioritise occupation as a fundamental human right. Over time, I realised that systemic barriers often prevent OTs from fully applying their skills. This drove me to step beyond individual practice and into leadership. A pivotal year for me was the experience I gained from a fellowship with Health Education England (now NHS England), where I strengthened my leadership skills, deepened my understanding of integrated healthcare systems, and developed confidence in advocating for occupational therapy as a driver of systemic change. 

 

 

Throughout my career, one theme has remained central: physical activity as a vehicle for empowerment, equity, and belonging. Early in my professional development, I focused on pre- and postgraduate learning to explore the role of physical activity in healthcare and occupational therapy. I have since worked across forensic, community, inpatient, and crisis settings to embed movement as an essential tool for participation and health. 

 

Today, I am a key part of Sport for Confidence, an organisation that reimagines physical activity as more than sport and exercise; it is an enabler of occupational justice. We centre the needs of people furthest away from physical activity, those who experience cultural, systemic, and environmental barriers to participation. Collaborating with Sport England and other national partners, we challenge the structures that have historically excluded people from the benefits of movement. 

 

The impact of this work is profound. Physical activity is not just about fitness; it’s about agency, occupational balance, and self-determination. It’s about ensuring that movement is accessible in ways that are meaningful to people’s lives. Whether it’s enabling someone to regain confidence after years of exclusion, supporting a person in managing a long-term health condition, or co-producing spaces where everyone belongs, physical activity becomes the means through which people reclaim choice, control, and participation. 

 

Evidence reinforces this perspective. The World Health Organisation (WHO) underscores the role of physical activity in addressing inequalities and fostering inclusion, highlighting its ability to enhance mental well-being, strengthen social connections, and create a sense of belonging (WHO guidelines on physical activity and health). Additionally, Uniting the Movement, Sport England’s 10-year strategy, provides valuable insights into how occupational therapists can contribute to systemic change by embedding physical activity into health and social care Uniting the Movement | Sport England. 

 

 

My experiences have reinforced one core belief: occupational therapists are not just healthcare professionals; we are system disruptors, problem solvers, and architects of meaningful change. Too often, OT is seen as a secondary profession, yet we hold the skills to drive social and health equity. We understand the significance of occupation in shaping identity, autonomy, and well-being. We know that real change happens when services are designed with people, not for them. 

 

This is why I am passionate about elevating the role of OTs, whether through education, policy influence, or designing scalable models of care. The MovingOTs initiative exemplifies this work, creating a national movement to influence education and support occupational therapists in integrating physical activity into their practice. This ensures that movement is recognised not as an afterthought but as a fundamental enabler of health and participation. 

 

 

If you’re an occupational therapist or considering a career in OT, I encourage you to see beyond traditional practice. Our work is about more than individual rehabilitation, it’s about systemic change. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, has the opportunity to participate in activities that are meaningful to them. 

 

The future of occupational therapy lies not just in individual intervention but in tackling the systems that create exclusion in the first place. It lies in challenging structures, co-producing solutions, and ensuring that movement, occupation, and belonging are accessible to all. 

 

So, I invite you to #PlayYourPart. Let’s create a future where occupational therapy transforms not only lives but entire communities.  

 

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at movingots@sportforconfidence.com.