Intergenerational Engagement Standards Programme

Shaping the Future of Connection in Care

The National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) has launched a pioneering new programme to develop National Intergenerational Engagement Standards for Care Homes, marking a significant step forward in strengthening connection, wellbeing and community across the care sector.

The programme is focused on creating more opportunities for people living in care settings to build meaningful, safe and sustainable relationships with younger generations.

Why this work matters 

There is growing recognition across the sector that intergenerational engagement has a powerful impact. Bringing people of different ages together supports improved wellbeing, fosters stronger relationships, and helps individuals maintain a sense of identity and purpose. It also plays a vital role in building understanding between generations and strengthening communities.

While many care homes are already delivering inspiring intergenerational initiatives, recent research carried out by NAPA in partnership with the University of Chichester and the University of Hertfordshire highlights a lack of consistency in practice.

The findings show strong enthusiasm across the sector, but also a need for clearer guidance. Without shared standards, services can face challenges navigating key areas such as safeguarding, consent and positive risk-taking.

A national framework for best practice

The programme will deliver a set of clear, practical National Intergenerational Engagement Standards, designed to support care providers in delivering high-quality, inclusive and meaningful experiences.

These standards will complement NAPA’s existing Standards of Practice and Quality Indicators, strengthening how quality in activity provision is defined, delivered and evidenced.

A collaborative, co-produced approach

The development of the standards is being shaped through collaboration with academic partners and the sector itself.
Crucially, the standards will be co-produced with those at the heart of care, including people living in care settings, families, care and activity professionals, and young people.

This approach ensures that the standards are not only evidence-based, but also practical, relevant and rooted in real-life experience.
Sector leadership and support

Hilary Woodhead, CEO of NAPA, said:
“This programme represents an important step forward in recognising the value of intergenerational connection in care. We know the impact these relationships can have on wellbeing and quality of life, but we also recognise that services need clarity and confidence to deliver this work safely and meaningfully. By developing national standards together with the sector, we are creating a framework that will support consistency, build confidence and place human connection firmly at the heart of quality care.”

Avnish Goyal CBE, chair of Hallmark Foundation, said: “Intergenerational engagement has the power to transform lives, not only for older people living in care, but for younger generations and communities as a whole. This programme is an important opportunity to embed that connection into everyday practice, ensuring it is not seen as an optional extra but as a fundamental part of high-quality relational care. Residents of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes have already seen what a difference bringing all ages together can make. We are proud to support this project with NAPA and look forward to seeing its impact across the care sector and beyond.”

What the programme will deliver

The programme will result in a clear and accessible framework for intergenerational engagement in care homes, supported by practical guidance, tools and learning opportunities to help services implement the standards with confidence.

Resources will be shared openly through NAPA’s networks, ensuring that learning is accessible and widely adopted across the sector.

Get involved

NAPA is inviting care providers, families, researchers and young people to take part in shaping the standards.
To find out more or get involved, please contact:
Anqa Tirmazee-Kaleem
Research and Impact Officer

Email: office@napa-activities.co.uk
Press enquiries

For media enquiries, please contact:
Gianna Burns
Email: gianna@napa-activitues.co.uk