Recently, I had the opportunity to take part in a networking event with other professionals from the wider social sector. It was a powerful, thought-provoking experience—one that highlighted the passion and commitment of people working across services that support individuals and communities. As discussions flowed about issues like child protection, elderly care, mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, and education, one profession kept coming up over and over again: social work.

And rightfully so. Social workers are at the heart of social welfare services, and they play a vital role in supporting people through some of the most complex and challenging life circumstances. But as I listened and contributed, one glaring question kept echoing in my mind:

Where was occupational therapy in this conversation?

Not once was OT mentioned. Not once did our profession come up as part of the solution. It was an eye-opener—and a wake-up call.

Occupational therapists are essential contributors in these very same areas. We work with individuals facing poverty, isolation, mental illness, trauma, and systemic disadvantage. We assess not only physical needs but also emotional, psychological, and—critically—social factors that impact people’s ability to engage in meaningful occupation.

Our profession is uniquely positioned to bridge gaps. Our lens is holistic. Our work is rooted in enabling participation—in life, in society, in community.

So why aren’t we being spoken about more in these spaces?

This post is a plea, a reminder, and a challenge.

To the wider sector

If we’re serious about equipping our services with the right tools and professionals to meet the growing and complex needs of our communities, then we need to make room for occupational therapists at the table. OT is not just about rehabilitation or assistive devices—it’s about supporting people to live meaningful lives. That includes addressing social determinants of health, building capacity, promoting independence, and breaking cycles of exclusion.

To my colleagues

Never let your voice remain unheard. Do not work in silos. Our impact is amplified when we work in collaboration—when we build strong ecosystems around the people we support. Let’s speak up, show up, and educate our peers about what we bring to the field. Let’s advocate not just for our clients, but for our place within the system.

The broadness of our profession is our strength. We understand the links between physical function, mental health, emotional resilience, and social inclusion. Let’s not let that go unnoticed.

It’s time to step into the spotlight—not for recognition, but for responsibility.

Because the people we serve deserve a service that sees the whole picture.