Sport for Confidence, in partnership with Teesside University, has secured £15,000 in funding from the Elizabeth Casson Trust on behalf of the MovingOTs community to develop a suite of digital resources that will pave the way for Occupational Therapy (OT) courses to integrate physical activity into OT practice. This initiative marks a major step in addressing health inequalities and advancing occupational justice by equipping OTs with the tools they need to use physical activity as a core therapeutic intervention.
Through this project, the MovingOTs community, alongside multiple universities, including Teesside, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield Hallam, will co-produce digital resources that highlight the power of occupational therapy in promoting physical activity. Developed in collaboration with OTs, lecturers, pre-registration learners, and individuals with lived experience, these resources will ensure physical activity becomes an integral part of OT education and professional practice. The materials will be delivered as part of the curriculum at participating Universities, with the goal of future expansion to other institutions and practicing clinicians nationwide.
"This funding represents an incredible opportunity to empower Occupational Therapists with the knowledge and confidence to integrate physical activity into their work," said Liz Fletcher, Occupational Therapist, National Systems and Partner Lead, Sport for Confidence. "By embedding these resources into OT education, MovingOTs will create a ripple effect that enhances health outcomes, reduces inequalities, and strengthens the role of OTs within the public health agenda."
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to poor health outcomes, especially amongst those furthest away from physical activity, such as individuals living with disabilities and long-term health conditions; yet many OTs feel underprepared to leverage physical activity as a tool for meaningful intervention. By plugging this gap, the digital resources will not only enhance professional competence but also encourage a preventative, holistic approach to healthcare, helping to alleviate pressure on the NHS and social care services The initiative aligns with the Elizabeth Casson Trust’s mission to advance the OT profession through innovation, ensuring OTs are equipped to lead and collaborate across multiple sectors, including health, social care, and leisure.
Dee Christie OBE, Chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust comments: "We are delighted to support this forward-thinking initiative, which has the potential to reshape how Occupational Therapists engage with physical activity. By investing in these digital resources, we are helping to create a lasting impact on both the profession and the communities it serves. As an occupational therapist myself I’m excited to see the constant innovation from Sports for Confidence and how their work aligns with the trusts intention to further our profession. I think Dr Elizabeth Casson would be delighted to see us supporting this work.”
Beyond immediate educational benefits, the project will contribute to long-term systemic change, positioning OTs as leaders in tackling physical inactivity and promoting inclusion. The digital resources will be shared through local and national OT networks, providing widespread access to high-quality, evidence-based tools that support professional development and service user outcomes.
Lauren Walker, Professional Advisor to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, says: “It’s really exciting to see Sport for Confidence take this innovative approach to transform how occupational therapists perceive and apply physical activity in their practice. This work will help to ensure that future generations of therapists are well-equipped to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they support."
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