2.3. Identify activity approaches that focus on social interaction

This guide will help you answer 2.3. Identify activity approaches that focus on social interaction.

What Are Activity Approaches?

Activity approaches are planned ways of organising events or sessions to support a goal. In health and social care, some approaches put social interaction at the centre. These are designed so people talk, listen, work together, share experiences, and build relationships. The main aim is not just to keep someone busy, but to help people connect.

Approaches can be formal with a set structure or informal and flexible. Individual, pair, and group activities can all use these approaches. In this guide, we cover these methods that encourage social interaction in health and social care.

Group-Based Approaches

Social Clubs

Social clubs bring people together with shared interests. Examples include coffee mornings, reading circles, craft groups, or music sessions. Clubs meet regularly, meaning people can get to know one another at their own pace. The relaxed setting encourages friendships and casual conversation.

Reminiscence Groups

Reminiscence means remembering and sharing life stories. In these sessions, a facilitator encourages people to reminisce about the past. Old photos, music, or objects may be used as prompts.

These groups work well for older people or those with dementia. They help spark memories and encourage everyone to share their stories. Social bonds build through recognising shared experiences.

Discussion Groups

Discussion groups may focus on a current event, a set topic, or be open to any conversational themes. A facilitator helps keep the conversation flowing and involves quieter members.

These groups encourage people to listen and respond to each other, helping build speaking and listening skills. They work for people of all abilities.

Team Games and Quizzes

Many games are best enjoyed with others. Board games, card games, and table-top quizzes all need cooperation and light competition. Team games help people learn each other’s strengths, work together, and have fun.

Laughter and shared experience encourage natural interaction. People get to know each other in a low-pressure environment.

Group Outings

Trips to museums, parks, shops, or markets promote social contact in a new setting. Being out in public means people meet others outside their normal circle. Travel, walking, and exploring together create opportunities for conversation.

Support staff make sure everyone can take part and feel included.

Creative and Activity-Based Approaches

Arts and Crafts Sessions

Making art or crafts in a group gives people common ground. While working with their hands, people chat about the task or swap stories. Activities might include painting, pottery, knitting, or card making.

Staff encourage sharing techniques and complimenting each other’s work. The relaxed focus helps shy people join in.

Music and Singing Groups

Music draws people together without needing strong language skills. Singing in a group, playing simple instruments, or listening to favourite songs gives people something shared to talk about.

People encourage each other, share memories tied to music, and often join in without pressure or self-consciousness.

Gardening Groups

Gardening sessions let people work side by side. Whether planting, weeding, or harvesting, group gardening supports conversation and practical teamwork.

Participants may share tips, offer help, or compare results. Being outdoors is calming and can open up natural conversation, especially for those who struggle in structured settings.

Cooking and Baking Sessions

Group cooking activities are sensory, practical, and social. Each person can help prepare, mix, or decorate, talking about family recipes or food traditions while working.

When the food is ready, everyone sits and eats together, continuing the social time.

Therapeutic Approaches Focusing on Social Connection

Animal-Assisted Activities

Animal therapy or pet visits often take place in groups. People talk about their pets, swap stories, or join in caring for animals. This naturally encourages smiles and shared conversation between participants.

Peer Support Sessions

Peer support sessions bring people with shared experiences together. Members may talk about challenges, share advice, and support each other. These are guided by a facilitator but led by participants’ needs. Social connection is the main focus and support is given between equals.

Buddy or Befriender Schemes

Buddy approaches pair people as activity partners. This may be a resident paired with a new arrival, or a volunteer befriending someone at risk of loneliness. Buddies help each other take part in activities and settle into new routines.

The focus is one-to-one, but social contact is at the centre. Buddies or befrienders are trained to offer support, encouragement, and companionship.

Digital and Technology-Based Approaches

Video-Call Social Sessions

Some care settings use video calls to link people with distant family and friends. Group video chats can be used for virtual coffee mornings or discussion groups, so people can see and talk with more than one person at a time.

Online Groups or Forums

Where people have access to technology, staff can facilitate joining safe online groups or forums. This is especially useful when face-to-face contact is limited. The focus stays on exchanging messages, sharing ideas, and meeting others in a similar situation.

Activity Adaptations to Strengthen Social Interaction

Even activities that could be solo—like reading, drawing, or exercise—can be adapted to boost social contact. Methods include:

• Pairing people for paired reading or walking
• Sharing progress or achievements in a group
• Having group check-ins or feedback sessions
• Setting collective goals (for example, growing a garden together)
• Using icebreakers or introductions at the start of any group

Staff play a key role by grouping participants thoughtfully and involving everyone, including those who are shy or withdrawn.

Person-Centred Approaches

All activity approaches should fit the people taking part. A person-centred approach ensures activities match participants’ interests, backgrounds, cultural needs, and abilities. Consultation with residents or clients about what they enjoy helps increase engagement in social activities.

Care staff adjust their approach so each person feels comfortable joining in.

Creating Social Spaces

Settings can be designed to encourage interaction. For example, arranging chairs in a circle, providing shared kitchen and dining areas, or displaying activity boards with upcoming events. These layouts and tools support people to start conversations and make friends.

Final Thoughts

Any of these approaches nurture friendships, reduce isolation, and help people feel part of a community. The most successful methods are those centred on the needs and wishes of the people involved, supported by caring staff who promote interaction and belonging.