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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Social Activities Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} actively supports and facilitates social activities for people receiving care in their own homes. Social inclusion, stimulation, and connection are essential components of well-being and quality of life. This policy demonstrates our commitment to providing personalised, meaningful, and culturally appropriate social opportunities in line with Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), and Regulation 17 (Good Governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all care and support staff working within {{org_field_name}} who are responsible for planning, promoting, supporting, or facilitating social activities as part of home care packages. It covers individual, group, in-home, and community-based activities that are tailored to the needs, abilities, preferences, and aspirations of the people we support.

3. Related Policies

• CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
• CH36 – Initial Assessment and Care Planning Policy
• CH42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy
• CH44 – Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy

4. Policy Statement and Principles

{{org_field_name}} believes that every person has the right to lead a fulfilling and socially connected life. We recognise that meaningful activity is essential to physical, emotional, and mental health. Social engagement reduces loneliness, improves self-esteem, and supports independence. Our approach is rooted in choice, flexibility, and inclusion, ensuring activities are based on each person’s interests, background, culture, and goals.

4.1 Person-Centred Activity Planning
Social activity planning is part of the initial assessment and care planning process. Staff must work collaboratively with the person supported, their family, and other professionals to understand the individual’s interests, preferred pastimes, goals, communication needs, mobility level, and any past barriers to participation. Activities must be clearly documented in the care plan and regularly reviewed to reflect changing preferences or needs. Examples may include reading, music, gardening, craft, puzzles, walking, spiritual activities, social groups, or supported outings.

4.2 Promoting Choice and Independence
All activities must be led by the person’s preferences and chosen voluntarily. Staff must never impose activities but should offer suggestions and adapt them to suit energy levels, moods, and daily circumstances. Where independence is possible, staff should take a facilitative role, empowering individuals to initiate or engage with activities with minimal support. Staff must also recognise and support the value of quiet time and solitary pastimes where these are the person’s choice.

4.3 In-Home and Community Activities
Activities may take place in the individual’s home or in the wider community, depending on preference and ability. Staff may support people to attend local day centres, cafes, parks, libraries, or social clubs, as well as assist with attending religious services, family events, or hobbies. Where outings are involved, risk assessments must be completed in line with CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy. Staff must support with transport, accessibility needs, and safety precautions such as medication or mobility equipment.

4.4 Inclusion and Accessibility
{{org_field_name}} is committed to inclusive activity planning. Staff must ensure that activities are accessible to individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, or communication needs. This includes offering alternative formats, adapting tasks, and using assistive technology where applicable. Cultural, religious, dietary, and gender-specific preferences must also be respected, and opportunities provided that reflect the individual’s background, language, and identity.

4.5 Supporting Individuals with Dementia and Additional Needs
People living with dementia or other cognitive impairments require a tailored approach to social engagement. Activities must be familiar, repetitive if helpful, and aligned with life history and sensory preferences. Staff must use reminiscence, music therapy, and multi-sensory tools to support participation. The CH44 – Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy outlines further detail on appropriate methods for engagement.

4.6 Safeguarding and Professional Boundaries
While promoting social engagement, staff must maintain clear professional boundaries. Activities must be appropriate, safe, and in the best interests of the individual. Any concerns about exploitation, isolation, or coercion must be reported in line with CH13 – Safeguarding Policy. Group activities involving multiple people must be risk-assessed to ensure no one is at risk of harm or exclusion.

4.7 Monitoring, Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Feedback on social activities must be routinely sought from the people we support and their families. This may include verbal feedback, satisfaction surveys, or care reviews. Staff must document participation, enjoyment levels, and outcomes. Feedback is reviewed regularly by the Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}} to improve planning and ensure person-centred delivery. Care plans are updated accordingly to reflect changing interests or barriers to engagement.

4.8 Staff Training and Support
All staff receive training on person-centred care, communication skills, dementia awareness, and promoting wellbeing through social inclusion. Ongoing supervision and reflective practice sessions provide opportunities for staff to share ideas, identify challenges, and improve confidence in activity facilitation. Creativity and initiative are encouraged, and examples of good practice are shared across the team.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to changes in legislation, CQC guidance, or feedback from the people we support. The latest version is available at {{org_field_website}} or by contacting {{org_field_email}}.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.