Be a Voluntary Occupational Therapist Assistant

What does a voluntary occupational therapist assistant do?

Occupational therapists help people carry out everyday activities and live as independently as they can. This might involve working with someone recovering from a stroke, an older person adapting to reduced mobility, or a person managing a long term mental health condition or learning disability.

As a volunteer assistant, you support qualified occupational therapists in their work with patients and clients. The exact tasks vary depending on where you volunteer, but the aim is always the same: helping people get on with their daily lives.

You might help prepare materials for therapy sessions, accompany therapists on home visits, assist with group activities, or spend time with patients while they practise skills. Some volunteers help with administrative tasks or equipment checks. Others offer companionship and reassurance, helping to create a welcoming environment for patients.

Volunteer Role Matcher

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Where can you volunteer?

Opportunities exist in several settings across the NHS and voluntary sector. These include:

• Hospitals, including rehabilitation wards and outpatient departments
• Community health teams that visit people in their own homes
• Day centres and social care settings
• Mental health services
• Charities working with specific groups, such as older people or those with disabilities

Availability depends on your local area. Some NHS trusts list volunteering roles on their websites, though advertised positions for occupational therapy assistants can be limited. It is worth contacting individual departments or teams directly to ask about opportunities. Local councils and charities are also worth approaching.

Most placements ask for a regular commitment, often a few hours each week. This helps build trust with staff and patients, and gives you a proper sense of the work.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Who is suited to this role?

Certain qualities make a real difference in this role. Patience matters, as progress can be slow and setbacks are common. You need to be comfortable around people who may be unwell, distressed, or living with disabilities. You do not need qualifications to volunteer.

Good communication skills are useful. You will be listening as much as talking, and you need to respect boundaries and confidentiality. Flexibility helps too, since sessions do not always go to plan.

Previous experience with disabled or vulnerable people is an advantage, though not always required. What matters most is a genuine willingness to help and an ability to stay calm under pressure.

Many volunteer roles require you to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service check before starting, particularly those involving direct contact with patients. The organisation you apply to will arrange this. You may also need to attend an induction or complete some basic training.

Why consider volunteering?

For some people, this is a first step towards a career in occupational therapy or a related health profession. Spending time alongside qualified therapists gives you a realistic view of the work and helps you decide if it suits you. It also strengthens applications for courses or paid roles.

Others volunteer simply because they find the work meaningful. Being part of a care team, even in a small way, can be satisfying. You meet people from different backgrounds and see the difference that practical support makes.

Volunteering can bring a sense of structure and purpose, especially if you are returning to work after a break or looking to re-engage with your community.

If you are interested, think about what settings appeal to you and where your skills might be useful. Then contact local NHS trusts, councils, or charities that align with your interests to find out what roles are available and how to apply.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Volunteer Role Matcher lets you identifies suitable volunteer opportunities based on your skills, availability, and interests. Try it now →