Exploring the role of occupational therapy in rehabilitation and reintegration

Occupational therapists work in a wide range of settings, supporting people to rebuild their lives and regain independence. For Charlotte Scott, a final-year OT student at Teesside University, a placement with the Enhanced Reconnect service provided a unique opportunity to see the role of OT in the justice system. From helping individuals transition from prison to the community to exploring the 'dark side' of occupation, Charlotte gained valuable insights into how occupational therapy can influence rehabilitation and reintegration.

In this blog, Charlotte shares her experiences, challenges and key learnings from working in this specialist area - and why the justice system could be a rewarding career path for OTs looking to make a real difference.

Finding my path to OT

I’m Charlotte, and I’m in the final year of my master’s in occupational therapy at Teesside University. My journey into OT wasn’t a straightforward one - I originally planned to become a teacher. While working in a mainstream school, providing one-to-one support for a child with cerebral palsy, I was introduced to occupational therapy. Seeing the positive impact of the therapy programme sparked my interest and I found myself wanting to learn more.

After moving to West Yorkshire and continuing my work in schools, OT remained on my mind. When I moved back to the Northeast, I researched the profession in more depth, decided to apply for full-time study, and haven’t looked back since.

A placement with real impact

In summer 2024, I completed my final placement with the Enhanced Reconnect service at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust. This is one of four pilot services in the UK, supporting individuals with mental health needs as they transition from prison to the community. The service focuses on desistance – helping people move forward in life – rather than reoffending. At the time, the Northeast pilot was the only one with an OT in post, so I was incredibly fortunate to gain this experience.

Like any new placement, I started with a mix of nerves, excitement and curiosity. The service is psychology-led, and there was little information available about the role of OT before I started. Fortunately, I had a brilliant educator, and I quickly found my place in the team. Being involved in multi-agency meetings and discussions was a valuable learning experience, and I gained confidence in contributing to conversations.

Challenges and learning along the way

One of the biggest challenges was managing risk. Many of the people we worked with had licence conditions that limited their occupational participation, so open conversations were key to identifying what was possible. For example, one individual's licence restrictions prevented them from leaving their street, so we focused on creating a structured daily routine that worked within their current restrictions. We also provided a brief sleep intervention, recognising how time spent in a prison environment had affected their sleep quality and routines.

This placement also deepened my understanding of the ‘dark side’ of occupation—when activities provide meaning and structure but don’t necessarily promote health. For example, one client was participating in sex work under the influence of drugs to prolong engagement. Exploring how OTs can support such individuals to find alternative, more positive occupations was fascinating and reinforced the unique role we play.

Key takeaways and looking ahead

One of the biggest lessons from this placement was the importance of seeing the individual, not just the offence. Everyone has a story, and for those supported by Enhanced Reconnect, their offence is just one part of it. A successful transition isn’t about focusing on the past – it’s about understanding each person’s needs, strengths, and goals, and working with them to build a better future.

Although I don’t have a set career plan yet, I’m interested in exploring OT in the justice system further. The placement challenged me, but I remained engaged and motivated throughout – which, for me, is a sign that I’m in the right place.

The value of RCOT membership

Being a student member of RCOT has been incredibly beneficial throughout my degree. The access to the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, the latest insights in OTnews, and the opportunity to see the breadth of OT practice have all helped shape my understanding of the profession.

A career with endless opportunities

Occupational therapy is so diverse, and that’s what I love most about it. No matter your interests, there’s an area of OT where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re considering a career in occupational therapy, my advice is simple – go for it!

Are you considering a career in occupational therapy?

If you’re ready to embark on a career that changes lives, let Charlotte’s experiences inspire you. Occupational therapy offers countless opportunities to make a real difference, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

From resources and networking to a community of passionate professionals, discover how RCOT membership can empower you to achieve your goals.

Discover more inspiring learner and practitioner stories in our ‘OT in action: real stories, real impact’ blog series and explore our resources for students and aspiring OTs.

Ready to take the next step? Learn how we can support you on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist.