OTnews September 2025 | Contents

6	News Read about our new campaign, launching in OT Week, award-winning occupational therapists, and more

10	UNISON This October, voting will open to elect UNISON’s General Secretary; make sure you have your vote

50	Professional resources RCOT publishes new AI in occupational therapy resource, plus the latest research in BJOT

Q&A

32	Q&A with Leila Nelson OT is a second career path for Leila; here she shares her journey of growth, creativity and professional discovery

Features

12	Co-created housing design Developing an evidence-based housing design guide for neurodivergent residents and those with learning disabilities
18	Greening healthcare one step at a time Joseph Courtney talks about his pioneering first role, focused on green therapy and sustainability
22	Our role, our experience Five OTs reflect on their experiences of working in assertive outreach
25	The language of psychological safety Neurodivergent practitioner Dabbi Taylor shares his story of learning and speaking up
28	I like to move it, move it Naomi Burke explains how a learning disability service is getting people moving and improving health and wellbeing
36	Rethinking rehab OTs on a new unit share why they're leading a reablement-first approach that's transforming recovery
38	Embedding occupation into ABI residential care How a new partnership in the Northeast of England has created a unique learning opportunity for students
42	Leadership through an occupational therapy lens What if leadership was something all OTs lived from the beginning? For one trust, it’s starting with reimagining placements
46	From hubs to homes An occupational therapy placement in a community hub, that’s transforming community life

Advertising feature

35	Seasonal change marks new launch Wiltshire Farm Foods’ development team launches its new range