Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy helps people do the everyday activities that are important to them.

This may include:

• caring for yourself
• looking after your home
• working
• learning
• socialising
• caring for others
• taking part in hobbies and interests

Occupational therapists work with children, young people, adults and older people. They support people whose daily lives have been affected by:

• illness
• injury
• disability
• mental health difficulties
• changes associated with ageing

How occupational therapy can help

Occupational therapists can support people to:

• manage everyday activities such as washing, dressing, cooking and household tasks
• recover following illness, injury or a hospital stay
• improve confidence and independence at home and in the community
• manage fatigue, stress, anxiety and long-term health conditions
• reduce the risk of falls and improve safety at home
• support people to return to work or other meaningful activities where appropriate
• support mental health and wellbeing through meaningful daily activities and routines
• provide assessment, rehabilitation, advice and recommendations, including referral to other services where appropriate

Accessing occupational therapy

How you access occupational therapy depends on the support you need.

Some services accept self-referrals, while others require referral from a healthcare professional. Referral routes vary depending on the service and your circumstances.

If you are unsure which service is right for you, speak to your GP practice or use the contact information provided below.

Who we help

Adults and Older People

Occupational therapists support adults and older people to remain independent, manage health conditions and recover from illness or injury.

Support may include:

• rehabilitation at home, in hospital or within the community
• support with daily living activities
• fatigue management
• falls prevention
• stroke rehabilitation
• assessment of functional abilities
• support to regain confidence and independence following illness, injury or hospital admission

Services are available across community, rehabilitation and hospital settings throughout Ayrshire and Arran.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are part of a range of mental health services across Ayrshire and Arran.

They support people whose mental health affects their ability to take part in everyday activities and roles. This may include help with:

• establishing routines and structure
• managing daily activities
• building confidence and independence
• improving participation in work, education and community life
• developing practical coping strategies and life skills

Support is available through community mental health teams, inpatient services and specialist mental health services.

Children and Young People

Occupational therapists support babies, children and young people who experience difficulties taking part in everyday activities.

This may include support with:

• dressing and personal care
• eating and drinking
• play and leisure activities
• nursery or school participation
• developing independence skills
• taking part in activities at home and within the community

Our aim is to help children and young people develop, thrive and reach their full potential.

Find out more about the Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service.

Learning Disability Services

Occupational therapists support adults with learning disabilities to participate in daily activities that enhance health, independence and wellbeing.

Support may include:

• developing everyday living skills
• building confidence and independence
• participation in work, home and community life
• assessment and intervention based on individual needs
• group programmes that promote skill development, education and peer support

Find out more about the Learning Disabilities Service.

What Happens After Referral?

Once a referral is received, it will be reviewed by the appropriate occupational therapy service.

Depending on your needs, you may:

• receive advice or self-management information
• be offered an assessment
• be invited to attend a clinic or group programme
• receive support at home, in hospital or within your local community
• be signposted or referred to another service if it is better placed to support your needs

The type of support offered will depend on your individual circumstances and the service you have been referred to.

Contact Occupational Therapy Services

Contact arrangements vary depending on the service you require.

Adults and Older People

Community rehabilitation and primary care services operate across Ayrshire and Arran. Referral routes vary by locality.

Children and Young People

South Ayrshire
Telephone: 01292 614988

East Ayrshire
Telephone: 01294 323070

Learning Disability Services

Further information and referral guidance are available on the Learning Disabilities Service page.

If you are unsure which occupational therapy service is right for you, please contact your GP practice or the relevant service page for advice.

Related Services

• Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service
• Learning Disabilities Service
• Community Occupational Therapy
• Community Rehabilitation Services
• Mental Health Services
• Stroke Rehabilitation Services

One content-design observation: I would be tempted to rename the “Occupational Therapy Services” section to “Who We Help”. That’s more user-centred and less organisational. Users tend to think “I’m a parent” or “I have a mental health condition” rather than “I need the Mental Health OT service”. It would make the page feel even less like a service directory and more task-oriented.

Service overview

Occupational therapy helps people to lead ordinary lives by improving their ability to carry out a range of activities that they need to do, are expected to do, or want to do during the course of their lives.

Our mission

Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran.

Our values

• Using an innovative approach
• Continuously improving our methods
• Working in a caring and compassionate way
• Delivering excellent service based on evidence
• Making sure everyone feels equal
• Working as a team

Below is a table of hand-drawn posters that show the kinds of things occupational therapists do.

The unique and creative contributions of occupational therapy staff (working with people, using activity and maximising independence) will improve the health outcomes and wellbeing of the people of Ayrshire and Arran.

Referrals

How to access our service Referrals to Occupational Therapy Services may be made through the access routes for the services above.

Services we work with:

• Addiction Services
• Adult Mental Health
• Adult Physical Health
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Child Health
• Forensic Mental Health
• Learning Disabilitie
• Local Authorities
• Occupational Health
• Older People’s Mental Health
• Older People’s Physical Health
• Voluntary Sector