Last Updated on April 28, 2026

The National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) has published a new Intergenerational Engagement Standards Programme. According to NAPA, the programme is focused on creating more opportunities for people living in care settings to build meaningful, safe and sustainable relationships with younger generations. NAPA reports that 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, NAPA continues.

While many care homes are already delivering inspiring intergenerational initiatives, NAPA states, recent research carried out by the organisation 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.

NAPA intends for the programme to 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. The development of the standards is being shaped through collaboration with academic partners and the sector itself. 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. According to NAPA, this approach ensures that the standards are evidence-based, practical, relevant and rooted in real-life experience.

Commenting on the publication of the Intergenerational Engagement Standards Programme, Hilary Woodhead, Chief Executive Officer at 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. We are proud to support this project with NAPA and look forward to seeing its impact across the care sector and beyond.'

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

In other news, a new online resource has been launched to bring together research, data and practice evidence to address inequities in social care.