Participation Changes Everything – Occupational Therapy Week

Occupational Therapy Week 2026 celebrates the theme “Participation Changes Everything” and across Shropshire, occupational therapists are helping people of all ages overcome barriers, maintain independence and continue doing the things that give their lives meaning.

Imagine no longer being able to do the things that make you, you.

It could be meeting friends for coffee, getting your children ready for school, tending your garden, returning to work, volunteering in your community, or simply making a meal in your own kitchen. These everyday activities often seem ordinary until illness, injury, disability or changing circumstances make them difficult or impossible.

OT Team photo

Being able to participate in the activities that matter to us is fundamental to our health, wellbeing and sense of identity. That is why the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has chosen “Participation Changes Everything” as the theme for Occupational Therapy Week 2026. Occupational therapists are experts in helping people overcome barriers and continue doing the things that bring purpose, meaning and connection to their lives.

Across Shropshire, occupational therapists work with people of all ages, supporting them to live independently, stay connected to their communities, and achieve what matters most to them.

Every day, our teams work alongside residents, families, carers, schools, health colleagues and community partners to find practical solutions to everyday challenges. Sometimes this means helping an older person remain safely at home. Sometimes it means supporting someone to regain confidence following illness or injury. It may involve helping a child participate more fully in family life, education and play, or identifying ways to enable someone to continue enjoying the hobbies and activities they love.

What makes occupational therapy unique is its focus on the person rather than the problem. Occupational therapists take time to understand what is important to each individual and work collaboratively to find ways to make those goals possible. The focus is not simply on what someone cannot do, but on what they can do, what they want to do, and how they can be supported to get there.

At its heart, occupational therapy is about opportunity.

It is about helping people remain active participants in their own lives. It is about supporting independence, building confidence and enabling people to contribute to their families and communities. Often, relatively small changes can open the door to life-changing outcomes.

Over the last year, Occupational Therapy teams across Shropshire have continued to strengthen their focus on prevention, early intervention and collaborative working, ensuring that people receive support that is centred on their goals, strengths and aspirations.

As we celebrate Occupational Therapy Week, we would like to recognise the dedication, compassion and expertise of our Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Independent Living support colleagues. Their work takes place in homes and communities across the county, often quietly and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day.

Occupational therapy is not about helping people fit their lives around their circumstances. It is about helping people shape their circumstances around the lives they want to live.

This Occupational Therapy Week, we are celebrating the power of participation and the difference it makes. Because when people can take part in the activities, relationships and communities that matter to them, they do more than cope. They connect, contribute, thrive and flourish.

Participation really does change everything.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care said:

“Occupational Therapy  helps to support people to live in their  own homes close to families, friends and local communities.  The work undertaken by the Occupational Therapy service ranges from assessments for smaller pieces of equipment to aid mobility and independence to  working  with housing providers on larger home adaptations”.