Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) support children, young people, and adults to reach their full potential in everyday life. They focus on helping people develop skills to play, learn, care for themselves, and take part in daily activities, all with the aim of increasing independence.

OTs also provide guidance to families and carers, working closely with other professionals such as teachers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and paediatricians. Therapy is delivered in the setting that best meets the individual's needs—this could be at home, in a clinic, hospital, respite service, or education setting. Depending on where you live, OT may be provided by the NHS, social services, or charities.

When a young person receiving OT turns 18, their care is transferred to an adult occupational therapy team. OTs may work alone or as part of a wider multidisciplinary team, supporting children and young people to overcome the challenges of illness, learning or physical disabilities, or the effects of an accident.

Therapy often includes practical, purposeful activities that help young people build independence and a sense of identity. See Alistair's story to learn more about working with an OT.

To support families, NHS Norfolk and Waveney has developed a digital library of resources created by the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service. These tools and strategies provide practical advice, equipment suggestions, and techniques to help children develop everyday skills and thrive at home and school. The library includes the following sections:

• Introduction to Occupational Therapy 
• Personal Care 
• Behaviour & Sleep 
• Learning, Playing & Exploring 
• Socialising & Relationships 
• Sensory Regulation 
• Emotional Regulation 
• Movement Activities & Exercises 

Norfolk services that support young children with occupational therapy

• Children's Occupational Therapy - Central - Norfolk Community Health and Care 
• Paediatric Occupational Therapy Referral- Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital  
• Paediatric Occupational Therapy - Great Yarmouth - James Padget University Hospital 
• Children's Occupational Therapy Community Services - West Norfolk - Queen Elizebeth Hospital 
• Children with Disabilities Teams - Norfolk County Council 

Norfolk services that support young adults with occupational therapy

• Norfolk Musculoskeletal (MSK) Occupational Therapy Service - Norfolk Community Health and Care 
• Integrated Therapy Partnership (ITP) 
• Orthopaedic & Musculo-Skeletal OT- Queen Elizebeth Hospital 
• Norfolk Learning Disability Service or telephone 03448 008 020
• Staying independent at home or telephone 03448 008 020