The Importance of Creativity in Care: Celebrating National Creativity Day Across Dovehaven Care Homes in the North West

At Dovehaven, we know that meaningful activities and creativity in care play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, independence, and quality of life for older people living in care homes. Across our 23 care homes in the North West, supporting more than 1,000 residents, our teams work every day to create engaging experiences that bring joy, purpose, and connection to daily life.

As we celebrate National Creativity Day, we want to recognise the incredible impact our wellbeing and activities teams have across our homes, and the important role creativity plays in delivering person-centred care.

Why Creativity Matters in Care Homes

Activities in care homes are about far more than simply filling time. Meaningful activity supports emotional wellbeing, encourages social connection, promotes physical movement, and helps residents maintain a sense of identity and purpose.

For many residents, creative activities can also support memory, confidence, communication, and cognitive stimulation, particularly for those living with dementia.

At Dovehaven, our activities programmes are always shaped around the interests, hobbies, and life stories of the people we support. From arts and crafts to music sessions, gardening, baking, reminiscence activities, themed events, and community outings, every activity is designed to create meaningful moments that residents genuinely enjoy.

Meaningful Activities Across Our North West Care Homes

No two days are the same in our care homes. Our dedicated wellbeing and activities coordinators work closely with residents to understand what matters most to them, creating opportunities that feel personal, familiar, and engaging.

Whether it’s a quiet one-to-one activity, group entertainment, or a celebration bringing families and residents together, creativity is woven into everyday life across Dovehaven.

Elaine, Activities Coordinator at Brooklands Care Home, explains:

“At Brooklands, meaningful activities are at the heart of everyday life for residents living with dementia. From chair exercises and musical moments to arts, crafts, reminiscence sessions and community outings, every activity is designed to bring joy, connection and comfort. By taking the time to truly understand each resident’s life story, interests and preferences, the whole team joins in and helps to create experiences that feel familiar, engaging and personal because living with dementia should never mean losing the moments that matter most.”

Investing in Activities and Wellbeing Teams

At Dovehaven, we are committed to supporting and investing in our activities teams so they feel confident, inspired, and equipped to deliver high-quality wellbeing programmes across our care homes.

This includes dedicated annual Activities Coordinator training days, where teams come together to share ideas, develop new skills, and learn best practice in meaningful activity provision.

We are also proud to work in partnership with NAPA (National Activity Providers Association), giving our teams access to valuable resources, guidance, and innovative tools that help them confidently deliver person-centred activities tailored to residents’ needs and interests.

This continued investment helps ensure our homes remain vibrant, engaging communities where residents can continue enjoying hobbies, trying new experiences, and maintaining important social connections.

Celebrating National Creativity Day at Dovehaven

National Creativity Day is an opportunity to recognise how important creativity is within adult social care and the positive difference it makes to residents every day.

At Dovehaven, we see first-hand how creativity can bring people together, spark conversation, build confidence, and create moments that truly matter. Creativity in care is not simply about activities — it is about connection, enjoyment, self-expression, and helping people continue the hobbies and interests they love.

Today, we want to say thank you to all of our wellbeing and activities coordinators across our North West care homes for their dedication, compassion, creativity, and the incredible work they do to enrich the lives of our residents every single day.

‍