Making a difference: Belonging, diversity and inclusion in occupational therapy

Over the past year, COVID-19 has been causing death and adding to grief across the world; during this time, an equally important issue – #blacklivesmatter – has been filling our minds and awakening our hearts to confront misery, enable equity and champion social justice. The events unfolding globally have provided a space for what have been difficult conversations to begin in the occupational therapy profession.

The purpose of this editorial is twofold: First, to share conversations with occupational therapists (OTs) in the United Kingdom, around racism, support for ethnic minorities and career progression; Second, to stimulate debate and dialogue with the wider occupational therapy profession alongside multi-professional groups. Individuals, teams and organisations often discuss conversation regarding equality and diversity, but they are seldom spoken of as race and race-based discrimination or societal equality.