Sign in

Royal College of Occupational Therapists

@thercot.bsky.social
333 followers 39 following 367 posts

We're RCOT. Championing #OccupationalTherapy and helping achieve life-changing breakthroughs for our members, the people they support and society as a whole.

PostsRepliesMedia
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Success should be measured by participation, not diagnoses. People should be able to access support based on their needs and the impact on everyday life, rather than waiting for a diagnosis. Occupational therapists can help make this happen. bit.ly/3UclPBA
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Allied Health Professionals are central to delivering neighbourhood health, prevention-focused care, rehabilitation and recovery. That's why the AHP Federation is calling for stronger and more consistent AHP leadership. Read the statement 🔗 bit.ly/4ywl1X4 #AHPs #NHSReform #HealthBill
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Our policy team has attended party conferences, met with key stakeholders, and ensured occupational therapy is visible in conversations shaping the future of health and care. Alongside AHP colleagues, we signed a letter calling for AHP leadership to be reflected in the new Health Bill.
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
At the Labour Party Conference, we learnt more about the government's new work and where OT fits within supporting young people in the UK, as well as health and social care. #LabourPartyConference #OccupationalTherapy #PolicyUpdates
021
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Stronger Allied Health Professional leadership means bringing our expertise into the decisions that shape the future of health and care. Read our joint statement: www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/ahpf-calls-stronger-ahp-leadership-nhs-reform #AHP #HealthBill #RCOT #OccupationalTherapy
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Keep Britain Working report is about whether the demands of a job, the environment someone works in & the support available to them are aligned with their abilities & circumstances: bit.ly/4yQUIuz #KeepBritainWorkingReview #KBWR #OccupationalTherapy
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A new Earn and Learn pilot lets healthcare support workers in rural and island Scotland train as occupational therapists while staying in work, delivered with @robertgordonuni.bsky.social and backed by the Scottish Government. 👇 bit.ly/4d4ao5n
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is OT working in the community exactly as it should. Meet Sport for Confidence's SfC Connect, an OT-led wellbeing service for Westminster residents living with long-term conditions, disabilities, mental health needs or significant life changes. Read the full article 👉 bit.ly/4c9Qi9n
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We recently welcomed HRH The Princess Royal, our Patron, to Musgrave Park Hospital's Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Belfast. The visit marked 20 years of RABIU and celebrated how occupational therapists support people after brain injury. 👏
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Amy Howard, you’re a Merit Award winner 🎉 The Merit Award recognises outstanding contributions to occupational therapy and Amy's work championing our voice in shaping the future of social care in England is exactly why this recognition is so well deserved
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
What's on? 📌 We've got a few dates worth adding to your diary this autumn. 🍂 Whether you're looking to learn something new or connect with the OT community, there's something here for you. Find out more and book your spot 👉https://bit.ly/4icVA7E
011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The deadline is 18 September. Have your say. Decisions about the future of health and care services in England are being made and OTs needs a strong voice. We're keen to hear from OTs in local authority, mental health and criminal justice. Complete the survey 👉 bit.ly/43eMSgB
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A big welcome to Rosie Hughes, who's joining BAOT Council as our new Research and Development representative. 👋 Rosie is bringing a lot of experience she's bringing to a role that really matters for the future of occupational therapy. Welcome Rosie! 🙌
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Working as an independent OT looks different for everyone. And now there's guidance to reflect that. Whether you're newly independent or well established, our new guidance is worth exploring. Read the new guidance 👉 bit.ly/4hZ6QEv
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Participation Changes Everything is our OT Week 2026 theme, 2 Nov. For Melanie, participation meant being able to go out to buy her own electric shaver again, allowing her to maintain an aspect of personal care that was important to her🪒 Start planning your OT Week 👉 bit.ly/4wBKspl
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Participation Changes Everything is our OT Week 2026 theme, 2 Nov. For Melanie, participation meant being able to go out to buy her own electric shaver again, allowing her to maintain an aspect of personal care that was important to her🪒 Start planning your OT Week 👉 bit.ly/4wBKspl
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Members 📢 Your July OTnews Extra is here. From supporting young people with SEND to promoting disability pride and championing neurodiversity in the workplace, see how OTs are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Swipe through now 🗞️ 👉 bit.ly/4fFbuop
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A national framework for AHPs is being developed for 2027-2032 and your voice needs to be part of it 📢 We'll also be feeding in as RCOT, drawing on what we hear from members to make sure OT has a strong voice at a national level. The deadline is 18 September 📅 bit.ly/4ovX9yx
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Different paths, different experiences, one shared community. From learning and connection to confidence and growth, hear how four members are making the most of their RCOT membership. What’s been the most valuable part of membership for you? 💬 Join it here: bit.ly/4wmH4yJ
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
RCOT members: your voice matters. 🗳️ Join us online for the BAOT AGM – Thursday 25 June, from 12.30pm. Vote on how your professional body is run, hold Council to account and hear how your organisation is performing. 👉 rcot.co.uk/agm2026
100
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This Carers Week we're thinking about the millions of people who show up every day for someone else. Are you a carer or do you work with carers in your practice? Head to our Communities network and join the conversation 👉 [LINK]
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Meet Thahmina 👋 OT. Community builder. Always learning. For her, being part of RCOT means tapping into the knowledge and experience of OTs across the UK and bringing that back into practice. 🔗 bit.ly/4wmH4yJ
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Meet Norma 👋 An RCOT member for nearly 20 years, staying connected, learning from others and growing with the profession. A reminder that behind every OT is a community that gets it bit.ly/3QPSpqK
011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
More than half (56%) of OTs say they can't provide the level of support children require and only 39% report fully staffed teams 📉 There is a clear opportunity through the proposed “experts at hand” service. But without the capacity to deliver it, children will miss out ➡️ bit.ly/4cT51F4
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Employers play a key role in shaping those first OT experiences, from strong supervision to creating team cultures where people feel supported and able to grow. Our new Early Career Principles offer practical guidance to help make that happen 👉 bit.ly/4svxSF2
042
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
When might a child benefit from seeing an occupational therapist? We’ll let OT Lizzie answer that👇 Children and young people may need different types of support at different times. We’ve broken them down into three rough categories ➡️ bit.ly/47gYBO4
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Say hello to Amber at our Spotlight on Parenting event in Birmingham on 20 April. 📍 Don't miss out on your member-exclusive early bird ticket to this practical, creative and occupation-focused event. CPD, networking and collaboration guide this event. See the full agenda 🔗 bit.ly/4rUOOov
The image features an illustration of an adult and a child interacting with toys. The logo of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is at the top left. Below is a quote from Amber Jones, a Spotlight on Parenting attendee, discussing a residential programme aimed at addressing social and health inequalities among solo parents.
031
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Gary and Odeth visited OTs across Northern Ireland last week, hearing directly about the pressures teams are facing and the impact OT-led services are making. Their reflections are now live: bit.ly/4s02uzh
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Good news for children, families and OTs 👏 The new schools White Paper recognises occupational therapy through the ‘Experts at Hand’ model, giving schools earlier specialist help. Next focus: funding, workforce capacity and delivery. 💚 More updates soon.
Two students in a classroom sit at a desk, smiling and holding markers. The wall behind them displays various colorful artwork and educational posters. They appear engaged and happy.
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Our new restrictive equipment guidance is now live. 📣 
Practical support to help Occupational Therapists make safe, ethical decisions. Download your copy here: 🔗 bit.ly/48KrF09
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Gary has kicked off his UK visits in Scotland. Two days meeting OTs in Edinburgh and Glasgow – hearing about workforce pressures, innovation and prevention in action. Your voices will shape our next steps. Read more in the blog 👉 bit.ly/4tJ54e7
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Independent OT practice is demanding - but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us in London for a one-day training event to help you sustain your work, diversify income an build a future-proof practice. 📆 11 March 2026 | 9.30am – 5pm 👉 bit.ly/4rK9Abb
A person in a wheelchair propels forward against a teal backdrop. Text reads: "Independent OT practice is rewarding – but it's demanding. You don't have to do it alone. Join us in London for a one-day training event. 9.30am–5pm, Wednesday 11 March 2026." The Royal College of Occupational Therapists logo is visible at the top.
000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Niall Kirrane talks about simple actions that can create social change and explores how we can support LGBTQIA+ people using occupational therapy services. 🔗 bit.ly/4b7PLV1
020
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month Niall Kirrane reflects on activism through an occupational lens and how everyday actions shape social change in occupational therapy. 📹 bit.ly/4b7PLV1 Explore more LGBTQIA+ History Month content in our Communities space where members share ideas and experiences.
001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Children thrive when support is in place early. The schools White Paper recognises the role of OTs in schools and neighbourhood teams. Now we need workforce and funding to turn ambition into action. Read more in our response. 🔗 bit.ly/3MGWgVG
012
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Mandy didn’t expect her school-based placement to reshape her confidence, but it did. Working independently, leading a handwriting project and supporting pupils through transition helped her see just how much OT can offer in education. 📘 Read Mandy’s full story: bit.ly/4b8W6Ag
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
WFOT Congress wrapped up on a high. 52 RCOT members took part – sharing research and building global connections. AI in practice and draft early career standards sparked strong interest. New BJOT opportunities are already emerging.
Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Karin Orman, Jou Yin Teoh and Odeth Richardson smiling
together at the WFOT Congress, standing in front of a conference banner.Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan standing at a lectern and presenting at the WFOT
Congress.
031
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Gary’s first month reflections: what you’ve told him so far 👋 Over 100 members met, visits across the UK, and lots of honest conversations. Gary’s shared what he’s hearing from OTs and how your insights are shaping his next steps. Read the blog: 🔗 bit.ly/3MtONZL
A group of occupational therapy colleagues standing together indoors with Gary
during a visit to Cambridgeshire, where he met teams to learn about their work and impact.
052
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Did you know you can qualify as an occupational therapist through an apprenticeship? Combining paid work (80%) with learning (20%) through an employer such as the @NHS or a social care service – there's more than one route to OT 🎓 How has work-based learning supported you or your team? 💬
Two occupational therapists in uniforms walking and chatting in a hospital corridor.
033
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
We bring far more to social care than equipment & adaptations. Amy Howard explores the role of OTs in Care Act assessments, prevention & early intervention & how this supports personalised care & allows people to do the occupations they want & need to do Read more 👉 bit.ly/4tqBDNK
This image shows a person with glasses and wearing a patterned top, standing against a wooden backdrop. In the top left, the logo of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is visible. At the bottom, a quote reads, "Early intervention, rehabilitation and environmental adaptations are all well-evidenced OT strategies that align with the Care Act's vision of prevention and personal empowerment."
011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Strong UK leadership at the 19th WFOT Congress today. Karin Orman shared clear, practical insight on innovation and practice development, adding real value to global discussions about occupational therapy. #WFOT2026
Karin Orman standing at a lectern and presenting at the WFOT Congress in Bangkok.
061
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
OT is complex, simplifying it is our strength 💚 In the RCOT Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2026, Sue Parkinson will explore how OTs break down tasks, routines and activities to help manage complexity and sustain what matters. Anyone with an interest in OT can save a spot bit.ly/49Yr1OC
075
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Adult social care is changing & occupational therapy needs to be visible. As the Casey Commission looks ahead - we want to hear about how OT is preventing, reducing or delaying the need for formal care, supporting people to live the lives they want. Share yours 👉 bit.ly/4bEof2j
An individual is kneeling and conversing with another person who is standing in a room. The room has a bed, dresser, and artwork on the wall. The text reads, "Adult social care is at a pivotal moment & it needs your story." The background is purple.
010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Race Equality Week exists to turn awareness into action. 🤝 With this year’s theme #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs, we’re reminded that progress happens when everyone plays a part. We’re taking part in the 5-Day Challenge, focusing on learning & everyday actions that help build a more inclusive workplace.
012
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
21 years of #LGBTHistoryMonth 🌍 Science & Innovation is the theme highlighting the impact LGBTQIA+ people have had on everyday life, from healthcare & technology. While recognising the past harms they have faced through the misapplication of science & why inclusive voices matter for the future 🙌
044
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
94% of fit notes still say 'not fit for work' and that’s a missed opportunity. OTs are well placed to shift to 'may be fit' with the right support. This session builds confidence using fit notes in practice. Join here 👉 bit.ly/4t46n74
Advertisement for RCOT's Fit note training session, featuring an image of a person writing a note with a pen on a desk. Event details: Build confidence in fit note conversations; 12:00pm - 1:30pm, Thursday 5 February 2026.
033
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
What matters most to you as an RCOT member? To hear directly from you, Gary has opened the first in a new series of monthly discussions on RCOT Communities. Your insights will help strengthen the future of the profession. The discussion closes Friday at 4pm. Find out more 👉 bit.ly/4ambozF
011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
We're pleased to see that the Health and Social Care Committee's First 1000 Days report has included some of the evidence we provided about the essential role of OTs in early childhood development. Read what our Professional Advisor, Dr Sally Payne had to say about it 👉 bit.ly/4pO8okX
Navy background, white text overlay with image featuring Dr Sally Payne, Professional Advisor for children and young people, with a quote that reads: 

"As occupational therapists we play a vital role in helping babies and children take part in everyday activities that help them grow, thrive and reach their full potential."
012
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Learning to become an OT? 🎓 Join us on 21 Jan, 12.30–1.30pm, to hear how we can support you and help you grow your skills in your early career. Open to everyone. Start the year feeling connected. 🌿 bit.ly/4pZhbkP
An elderly person using a walker sits on a sofa and converses with a standing adult in a living room smiling.
012
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
We’re excited to welcome our new Chief Executive, Gary Waltham. His priority is simple: to listen, learn and work with you to make RCOT the best it can be. There are lots of ways to connect with Gary and share your ideas: bit.ly/4jju4Uw
Quote from RCOT Chief Executive, Gary Waltham, reads 'I'm here to work with our members to make RCOT the best it can be.' Headshot of Gary in top, right hand side.
044