The Role of Physical and Recreational Activities in Occupational Therapy at Social Welfare Centres in Poland

Abstract This article presents a study on the potential role of physical, sporting, recreational and tourism activities as elements of occupational therapy conducted in Social Welfare Centres (OPS) in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the benefits that may arise from these activities offered to clients of OPS (various groups of excluded people) and their impact on improving the well-being of people using social welfare. A selection of programmes and projects offered by centres providing a variety of physical, sporting, recreational and tourism activities are presented. The results of the research show the numerous benefits of participation in activity classes for the excluded, who indicate an improvement in both their physical and mental health, while experiencing a sense of social belonging that then promotes the development of social skills and their social integration. It is important for Social Welfare Centres to continue and develop further projects and programmes in the future that would include these activities as effective and efficient therapeutic tools, aimed at the reintegration and social inclusion of people affected by exclusion.