I received my NAPA (National Activity Providers Association) OCNLR Level 2 award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care at the end of September 2015, which means l am now registered as an Activity Worker. To obtain the award, I completed 4 units which consisted of the following:

• Understanding Activity Provision in Social Care
• Understand the Benefits of Engaging in Activities in Social Care
• Understand the Delivery of Activities in Social Care
• Dementia Awareness

All the above units were based on questions relating to that unit and for which I had to give an indepth answer together with two examples. The Answers needed to demonstarte that I fully understood the scenarios and that I am providing the correct and relevant activities to meet the needs of the residents at Chatterwood. The course was completed in my own time and l achieved the award within three months. Since l have gained the award, I feel that l have a better understanding of the needs and interaction required by the residents of Chatterwood. This has also boosted my confidence in being able to maintain their happiness and social skills through increased knowledge. This week Lauren Angell, a student from South Downs College who is currently studying for a BTEC Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care has been working with me on a work placement. The NAPA award has helped me explain, demonstrate and show Lauren what is classed as an activity, why activities have to be adapted in some cases and why the needs of residents can be very different. I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity by Chatterwood to achieve this award which has given me a greater insight into the need for activities in Social Care, which l hope l can continue to build on.

– By Maggie