The Health and Social Care Partnership is supporting this year’s Occupational Therapy Week (3–9 November).
Throughout the week, they'll be celebrating the essential role occupational therapists play in providing the right support at the right time, helping people across the Borders to live independently, stay well, and do the things that matter most to them.
Celebrating the vital role of occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is vital to the delivery of integrated health and social care services. Whether it’s helping someone return to work after illness, supporting a child with developmental needs, or enabling an older adult to live safely at home, occupational therapy makes a real difference.
Taking a holistic, person-centred approach, occupational therapists consider every aspect of a person’s life and environment. They work collaboratively to create tailored plans that support recovery, independence, and participation in everyday life. This includes helping individuals overcome challenges, adapt to change, and achieve personal goals, as well as empowering them to manage their health and wellbeing through meaningful activities—whether at home, at work, in education, or in the community.
Their focus on early intervention and prevention can also reduce the need for crisis care and long-term support. Timely input can prevent hospital admissions, enable safe discharge, and ease pressure on health, social care, and education services—leading to better outcomes and more sustainable services.
Just some examples of the way in which occupational therapists can help includes:
- supporting older adults with home adaptations and equipment
- helping people recovering from injury or illness regain essential life skills
- assisting those managing long-term conditions like arthritis or COPD
- playing a key role in mental health recovery
- supporting children to thrive in school and social settings.
Positive feedback from clients and service users
People who have used the Occupational Therapy service regularly share their feedback with us about the life-changing impacts of the service. One family shared how, within just five days of contacting the team, their father had grab rails and extra banisters installed—dramatically improving his mobility and safety at home.
Another expressed their thanks for support in getting a ramp fitted, enabling their relative to regain confidence and independence.
A third reflected on the significant and positive influence their occupational therapist had on their life, expressing deep gratitude for the care and professionalism shown.
Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Integrated Care and Support Services and Chair of the Integration Joint Board
“Occupational therapy plays such a vital role in the delivery of our health and social care systems. Not only can it deliver better outcomes, it reduces strain on services and contributes to a more sustainable future for all.
“Occupational therapy also transforms lives. By focusing on what matters most to each person, occupational therapists help people live well, stay independent, and reduce reliance on statutory services. Their work is essential to building healthier individuals and stronger, more resilient communities, and as a Partnership we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our hardworking occupational therapists for the dedication, compassion and expertise they bring to their roles every day."
More information
Advice and information about accessing occupational therapy services through the Partnership is provided at What Matters Hub drop-in sessions and appointments or by calling 0300 100 1800 (Option 1).