Council celebrates Occupational Therapy Week 2023
To mark national Occupational Therapy Week, Shropshire Council’s Occupational Therapists (OT’s) will be promoting the work they do and the positive impact it has on those they support.
Occupational Therapy Week 2023 logo
Occupational Therapy Week 2023 takes place this week from (6 to 12 November) and is a national awareness week run by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) to promote the value of occupational therapists and the fantastic work that they do across the UK.
Shropshire Council’s occupational therapy service provides care and support for children, adults and their carers across Shropshire. You can find out how they help people by reading Roy’s story here: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/personal-stories/roys-story/.
This year Occupational Therapy Week 2023 is all about explaining what occupations are in the context of occupational therapy.
An occupation is any activity that we need, want or like to do to live and to look after our physical and mental health, and our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We do occupations from the moment we are born, on our own or with others.
Occupation isn’t just your job or activities of daily living. An occupation can be self-care, such as washing, eating or sleeping; productive, such as work, study, caring or domestic activities; and leisure, such as playing sports, hobbies or socialising.
We’re all different and so are the occupations that matter to us. They vary depending on our environment, interests and values, talents and skills. Our occupations also change throughout our lives.
Occupations are the building blocks of life. But why do they matter?
Occupations are essential to living. They give our lives meaning, purpose and structure. They help shape who we are, connect us with others and help create our identity and sense of belonging. Through occupation we enhance our health and quality of life.
Focusing on occupation leads to improvements in our ability to do the things we need and want to do, our social relationships, communication and connections as well as our mood, rest and sleep.
Occupations are particularly important when we’re going through times of change. When we can’t do an occupation anymore or we need to adjust the way we do it, because of ill health or other barriers, our sense of self and purpose may change.
This is where occupational therapy comes in.
Occupational therapy puts quality into your life.
Occupational therapists see beyond diagnoses and limitations to hopes and aspirations. They look at relationships between your occupations, the challenges you face and your environment.
Then, they create a plan of goals and adjustments targeted at achieving a specific set of activities. The plan is practical, realistic and personal to you as an individual, to help you achieve the breakthroughs you need to elevate your everyday life.
This support can give people a renewed sense of purpose and open up new opportunities and change the way people feel about the future.
Councillor Cecilia Motley Cabinet Member for adult social care, public health and communities said:
“We are delighted to support this year’s campaign. National Occupational Therapy Week offers us an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work our Occupational Therapists (OT’s) do and illustrates the positive impact they have on people’s lives.
“We hope the week offers an insight into how and why our OT’s look beyond the individual’s challenges and create solutions that really makes a difference to their lives.”
Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at work – and everywhere else.
Feedback from those who have been supported by the council’s Occupational Therapy team:
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and the kids. I am so overwhelmed today after getting the keys to the house. I’ve sent some photos so that you can see how much it has improved since you last saw it. I honestly thought I’d be in the flat forever with X. You’ve changed our lives.”
“Really pleased with the speed of response to request for an assessment to make my mother’s stay at my house safer following her fall. A few items of equipment/adaptions such as grab rails and raisers have made it much easier for her to go about day to day life.”
“X was thanking OT for her new kitchen which has changed her life and she is so happy – she is back baking.”
“I have to commend everyone who was involved in completing my level access show and all additional work and time you put into making my life so much easier. I don’t know that I do deserve it, but I certainly do appreciate it. From conception to completion, nothing was too much trouble. From an extremely grateful lady, thank you all so very much.”
If you or someone you know, is struggling with day to day tasks or having problems with their mobility, you can talk to our First Point of Contact at 0345 678 9044 or email firstpointofcontact@shropshire.gov.uk. They will help identify your needs and advise you on the next steps of what support is available to maintain your independence within your home.
You can find out more about Shropshire Council’s Occupational Therapy service at Occupational therapy | Shropshire Council
For more information about Occupational Therapy Week 2023 visit Occupational Therapy Week – RCOT.
