Sport for Confidence Launches Year-Long Campaign To Shine A Light on Occupational Therapy
Posted on 23rd October 2024 at 12:25
On the back of Occupational Therapy Week 2024 (#OTWeek24), starting on Monday, 4th November, Sport for Confidence is to support the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) in the execution of a year-long campaign to raise awareness of the critical role occupational therapy plays in health, social care, and levelling up society.
“Occupational therapy is an amazing profession that empowers individuals to manage their health and care needs, whilst supporting them to engage in the occupations they want, need, and enjoy.” explains Lyndsey Barrett, Founder and Lead Occupational Therapist, Sport for Confidence.
Lyndsey continues. “From supporting recovery to promoting independent living, occupational therapy enables people to navigate life's challenges and fosters improved wellbeing across communities.
“Despite its positive influence, occupational therapy does not enjoy the public profile of other health professions such as physiotherapy, meaning its value and contribution is often under recognised and uncelebrated. Through this campaign we want to change this, raising awareness of the wonderful world of occupational therapy both as a career choice and as a public health and social care changemaker. We will put occupational therapy on the map, highlighting its potential to change lives for the better whilst also driving a more equitable society.”
Through the 12-month campaign, entitled ‘The power of OT – transforming health and social care’, Sport for Confidence will emphasize how occupational therapy, when applied early and with a focus on prevention, can significantly reduce the need for crisis interventions and ongoing care services. By prioritising proactive support, occupational therapists not only help individuals manage their evolving health needs but also alleviate pressure on the NHS and the broader health and social care systems.
According to the RCOT there are currently more than 41,000 professionally-recognised occupational therapists practising in the UK. The majority of these work within clinical settings, mostly within the NHS, but there is a growing movement to place more occupational therapists in a community setting, such as a leisure centre.
Lauren Walker, Professional Advisor at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, explains: “Occupational therapy enables people to manage their health and care needs. By positioning occupational therapists in the community – where they’re most needed – people will have the support they need to live in their own homes for longer and continue with the occupations that they want and have to do.
“It will mean that occupational therapy services are available to everyone who needs them. It will reduce pressure on all areas of health and care services, and prevent people reaching crisis point.It’s incredibly important to us to work with partners, such as Sport for Confidence, to shine a light on the amazing work occupational therapists are delivering and the positive contribution the profession is making to society."
Across Essex and in partnership with Essex County Council, Sport for Confidence is delivering a new health and social care intervention called Reconnect. This is an early-stage intervention providing help and preventative support to adults living with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and/or long-term health conditions, and their carers. The model places occupational therapists in leisure centres working alongside sports coaches, to deliver therapeutic physical activity interventions that drive positive occupational outcomes. Reconnect is based on a 2-year test and learn pilot that delivered £58.72 in social value for every £1 invested.
Lyndsey concludes: “SFC has positioned occupational therapists as innovators using physical activity for individual and social transformation and who are able to work across sport, health and social care, playing a key role in the prevention agenda.
“Occupational Therapy is all too often the silent hero in health and social care. Through this campaign and in partnership with the RCOT, we will showcase occupational therapy’s potential to deliver transformative change. This will not only help to drive the next generation of talented and ambitious occupational therapists but will also highlight creative ways to extend the reach of occupational therapy, enabling many more people to benefit.”
RCOT’s campaign will run throughout the year, starting on the first day of OT Week, November 4 2024. In support of the campaign, Sport for Confidence will feature a series of events, resources, and partnerships designed to elevate the profile of occupational therapy and demonstrate its value in driving societal change. This initiative is part of Sport for Confidence’s ongoing support of RCOT and its commitment to creating more inclusive, health-conscious communities.
Tagged as: accessible sport, belonging, breaking down barriers, meaningful activity, National OT Week, occupational therapists, occupational therapy, OT, OT Week 2024, physical activity as recovery, preventing ill health, promoting good health, reducing health inequalities, Royal College of Occupational Therapists
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