This leaflet explains what Occupational Therapy (OT) is, why you might need it, the benefits of OT and how to access it.

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We hope this leaflet helps you learn about Occupational Therapy. If anything is not clear, please ask a member of staff. They will be happy to help.

Occupational therapists work with nurses, doctors and other staff who help you. Together, they help you feel better and do more of the things that matter to you.

Occupational Therapy helps you do everyday things that are important to you. This may include looking after yourself, working, learning or doing things you enjoy.

Being unwell or going through changes in your life can make these things harder. Staff will listen to you and find out what is important to you. They may ask about:

  • where you live, where you go and who helps you
  • what is important to you and what you hope to do
  • what you need or want to do each day
  • how you spend your time, such as looking after yourself, working or doing things you enjoy
  • things you may find hard, such as listening to other people, moving around or spending time with others

Changes in your health or life can make things you do each day harder. Occupational Therapy may help you with:

Looking after yourself

  • keeping your body and mind well and staying safe
  • eating, washing and getting dressed
  • shopping, cooking and other tasks at home

Doing things you enjoy

  • finding things you like to do, relaxing and having fun
  • doing things that help your body and feelings, or that are important to your beliefs or faith
  • spending time with other people and keeping in touch

Work, study and caring for others

  • looking after your home, family, friends or pets
  • going to school or college, helping without being paid, or doing paid work
  • joining in with things to do in your local area

Occupational Therapy can help you learn new skills. It can also help you use skills you had before. This can make everyday things easier.

Doing things that matter to you can help your body and mind. It may help you feel more confident and able to do more for yourself.

Staff will listen to you and explain the support they suggest. You can ask questions and take time to think. You can choose what you want to work towards. Together, you can agree small steps that feel right for you. If you wish, a family member, carer or advocate can help you take part in these talks.

When you come to our Trust for care, a member of staff will talk with you about what you need. This will help us find the right support for you.

If Occupational Therapy may help, they can ask the Occupational Therapy team to meet with you.

You can also ask the main person who plans your care about Occupational Therapy. You can ask questions and take time to decide what feels right for you.

We want to make sure you can access our service in a way that works best for you.

Interpreters can be provided if you need support with language or communication. Information can also be made available in other formats, such as large print or easy‑read.

Please tell the team if you need any changes to help you access the service, such as extra time, communication support, or support with attending appointments.

You can talk to a staff member or use the contacts listed below.

See other ways to give feedback at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Your Voice

You can tell us what you think about your care. This can be good or bad. You can also ask us to tell you what happens after you send feedback.

Website: yourvoice.cntw.nhs.uk

Email: yourvoice@cntw.nhs.uk

Comments and complaints

If something went wrong, please tell us. This will help us improve services.

Phone: 0191 245 6672

Email: complaints@cntw.nhs.uk

Write to: Complaints Department, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3XT.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS is a free and confidential service. They help if you have worries about your care. They support patients, families, and carers.

North of Tyne
(services in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and North Cumbria)

Phone: 0800 032 0202

Email: pals@nhct.nhs.uk

South of Tyne
(services in Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Lotus Ward, Middlesbrough)

Phone: 0800 328 4397

Email: pals@cntw.nhs.uk

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on telephone 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2026 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/776/1026 October 2026 V5
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2029