NAPA Arts in Care Homes

The National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) is the UK’s professional association for Activity Providers and activity provision. NAPA’s core mission is to ensure that meaningful activities and person-centred engagement are integral parts of care.

In collaboration with key partners in supporting arts initiatives within care settings, NAPA has produced a series of influential reports and resources, shining a spotlight on the vital role that creative and meaningful activities play in the health and wellbeing of older adults.

One of the key areas of our work is the extensive range of resources we provide, which are designed to support care services to provide varied and engaging activities. These resources cater to diverse needs and preferences, recognising that every individual deserves access to stimulating and person-centred experiences.

Our resources offer practical advice on integrating arts into care settings, demonstrating how creative practices such as painting, storytelling, music, and drama can significantly improve wellbeing. It highlights best practices and showcases successful examples from across the UK, helping care services to make arts a regular and valued part of their care culture.

NAPA has long recognised the importance of professional development. Offering a professional development pathway and a range of accredited training programmes, NAPA ensures that those working in care settings have the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality, meaningful activities.

A key highlight of NAPA’s work is the coordination of the Annual National Day of Arts in Care Homes which takes place every year on the 24th September.

The National Day aims to highlight the wellbeing benefits of arts, creativity and cultural engagement. We promote the beneficial outcomes, champion good practice and encourage care settings to develop more creative activities and opportunities.

This National Day, supported by The Baring Foundation and The Rayne Foundation for the last six years, has grown year on year, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for incorporating arts into care. It provides an opportunity for care homes to showcase their innovative approaches and for residents to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of creative expression.

Explore our directory to find skilled professionals who bring creativity, compassion and expertise to care homes, creating a vibrant and stimulating environment through the arts. Whether it’s music, painting, dance or theatre, our facilitators are here to inspire and support meaningful engagement and connection.

For more information and to access resources to support art based activity and engagement visit our website and dedicated National Day webpage.

Further resources

Arts in Care Homes webpage – https://napa-activities.co.uk/arts-in-care-homes/art-in-care-homes

Arts in Care Homes Directory – https://napa-activities.co.uk/arts-in-care-homes/napa-arts-in-care-homes-directory

Managers Guide – https://digital.napa-activities.co.uk/view/766522243/

Arts in Care Homes Evaluation 2023 – https://digital.napa-activities.co.uk/view/944517596/