Kind-hearted Swindonians have written more than 100 letters, cards and pictures to people who live in care homes and who may be feeling lonely and isolated during this difficult time.
The initiative, called Care Mail, was organised by Swindon Borough Council who asked residents to reach out to those living in care homes by writing letters containing messages of support and reassurance.
The Council encouraged people to make their messages as colourful and creative as possible, and just a few weeks after asking people to get writing, the Council has received 112 letters, all of which have been delivered by volunteers to a number of care homes and handed out to the residents.
Pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bessemer Road East, were among those to send in colourful messages of support after responding to a May half-term challenge set by their teachers.
The Swindon care homes that have received letters are Kings Court, Fitzwarren House, Orchid Care Home, Bluebells, Ridgeway Rise and Park View.
Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “The letters have been a valuable lifeline for elderly people during the coronavirus pandemic and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to write, including the fantastic pictures and messages we received from so many young people.
“These wonderful messages have helped to connect people to each other during these difficult and unprecedented times and they have made people think about how this pandemic has affected some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Bella Balaci, General Manager of Ridgeway Rise Care Home, said: “We received some incredible samples of young talent with Care Mail. Some residents kept pictures sent by volunteers in their rooms and memory boxes.
“We all enjoyed reading the lovely messages and learning what others are up to during these difficult times. It is a great initiative and a fantastic example of multigenerational interactions. We absolutely loved it – thank you.”
