National Activity Providers Association and Vegetarian for Life have announced a new partnership, beginning with the release of special activity resource to celebrate Vegetarian Month in October as well as World Vegan Month this November.
Titled Celebrating Vegetarianism and Veganism, the 27-page resource explores ways to support the wellbeing of vegetarians and vegans using care services and provides top tips to support the practice of Activity Providers.
Research suggests that the number of residents following a vegan diet in UK residential care homes has risen by 167% since 2014. There are currently more than 11,000 care homes for older people in the UK. The total number of vegetarians and vegans combined is now estimated to be over 7,000, across both nursing and residential care. This means there are one or more vegetarians or vegans living in one in every five UK care homes.
The rapid rise in vegan residents in particular has sparked NAPA and VfL to urge care facilities to be prepared if a vegan resident moves into the care setting – and this is exactly where the new resource comes in.
Packed with food-inspired activities, Celebrating Vegetarianism and Vegan has inspiring suggestions for art, gardening, cooking, and more.
Amanda Woodvine, Chief Executive of Vegetarian for Life, said: “Celebrating Vegetarianism and Veganism is packed with inspiring ideas to help your planning and is a lovely way to make vegan or vegetarian residents feel included and to celebrate their lifestyle choice.
“You’ll find hundreds more recipes on Vegetarian for Life’s website, along with many other useful publications, from Veganising classic dishes through to nutrition.
“And if this resource has breathed new life into your work, you could sign up for further training with us, or even funding to run a bespoke activity (see the back page of the guide).”
NAPA Executive Director Hilary Woodhead commented: “This resource shares best practice and activity ideas related to providing activities for veg*ns (vegetarians and vegans); we hope it will support Activity Providers in raising awareness about the specific considerations required to ensure an inclusive approach.
“Over the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of people adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. For many people this goes far beyond diet, it’s a way of life.
“It is important, therefore, that Activity Providers have the necessary information to support them in developing individual activity plans which meet the needs of a diverse group of people.
“Whilst food is often the first step, it is important to recognise other issues of importance to vegetarians and vegans; the environment, beauty products, clothing materials and even activity supplies need to be considered, too.
“Special thanks to Vegetarian for Life; their support, expertise, and sponsorship has enabled us to make this FREE resource available for all care and support services to download.
Download the guide here.
