Placing culture at the heart of care.
The National Activity Providers Association is proud to present The NAPA Year of Culture – a national campaign encouraging Activity and Care Teams to explore, celebrate and honour culture in all its richness and diversity.
Culture is deeply personal. It reflects who we are, where we come from, what matters to us and how we express ourselves. This campaign recognises culture in its broadest sense – including ethnicity, heritage, faith, language, traditions, family, community, lived experience, creativity and identity.
By embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles into activity provision, we can ensure that every individual feels seen, respected and valued.
The Year of Culture highlights how culturally inclusive activity supports wellbeing, belonging, dignity and meaningful engagement for people of all backgrounds.
Culture can be shaped by ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity, sexuality, age, class, family traditions and life experiences.
Cultural expression may include:
The NAPA Year of Culture encourages activity provision that is person-centred, inclusive, and free from assumptions – inviting individuals to express their cultural identity in ways that feel meaningful to them.
Explore individual cultural identities through conversation and life stories. Celebrate cultural and religious events in inclusive and respectful ways. Offer choice and co-production in how cultural activities are planned.
Challenge stereotypes and avoid tokenism. Create safe spaces for people to share, learn and express who they are. Reflect on your own assumptions and biases.
Build relationships with local cultural organisations – community centres, faith groups, museums, libraries, artists, storytellers, performers and advocacy groups.
“We are super excited to be continuing our partnership with NAPA, this year supporting their Year of Culture. Supporting this Year reflects our own commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and meaningful engagement. Cultural experiences play a vital role in supporting emotional, social, and mental wellbeing. By investing in culture, we can help create engaging experiences that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support positive wellbeing for all.”
Pritesh and Nisha · Symphony Sound & Symphony Hearing
Culturally inclusive activity supports people to feel a sense of belonging and safety, while also encouraging learning, empathy and connection across communities.
The NAPA Year of Culture encourages activity provision that is person-centred, inclusive and free from assumptions – inviting individuals to express their cultural identity in ways that feel meaningful to them.
Unlock the full resource library with NAPA membership – 2,400+ activity ideas, toolkits and tools.
The NAPA Year of Culture is an invitation to listen, learn and celebrate what makes each person unique. Whether through shared conversations, cultural celebrations, creative expression or quiet moments of recognition, every activity has the power to affirm identity and promote inclusion.
Share your ideas, events, reflections and learning on social media using #NAPAYearOfCulture. NAPA will be sharing stories that highlight inclusive practice, creativity and positive impact.
You can also share your experiences for a chance to be featured in the Member e-magazine or NAPA News.
