Being able to participate in occupations—everyday activities that hold meaning for us—is essential to our physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. These occupations include what we need to do, what we want to do, and what others expect us to do. The activities we engage in each day carry therapeutic value and help shape our identity.

At times, we may experience difficulties carrying out these meaningful and necessary occupations. These challenges can arise from a wide range of factors, many of which are outside our control. Occupational Therapists are experts in holistic rehabilitation and use a personalised, occupation‑focused approach to support individuals in restoring or enhancing their ability to engage in daily life. This often involves adapting the activity itself, modifying the environment, or developing new strategies to ensure success and functional wellbeing.

A core part of the OT role is to enable and empower individuals to develop a healthy occupational pattern (a balanced range of activities), an appropriate performance rate (engaging in activities at a sustainable pace), and to have their occupational needs met—feeling fulfilled and satisfied by the activities that make up their lives.

In the UK, Occupational Therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To maintain this registration, OTs are required to keep an up‑to‑date CPD portfolio demonstrating their professional development over the previous two years. Failure to provide this evidence may result in registration being revoked. All practising OTs must complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD each year to maintain and enhance their competence in occupational therapy practice.

EAOT-UK is a member of

The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI)