Children write letters to cheer isolated care home residents

Pupils from Queen Margaret's School in York have set up a new pen pal scheme, designed to bring friendship and cheer to care home residents who find themselves in a lonely and isolated position as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

At the moment letters are being sent from the Yorkshire school to residents at Kirkwood Court Care Home in Newcastle.

Miss Strawbridge, 22, said letters were given to people most in need - those in isolation and unable to see family due to underlying health conditions. like 80-year-old Elizabeth Kyle.

"Little things like this really brighten their day," said Miss Strawbridge.

"It's so important when they aren't allowed families to visit.

"Receiving a letter has had a positive impact on the residents and they love it."

She added stimulation was vital to keep residents "cheerful" and "occupied" and the first batch of letters had proved a real hit with elderly residents.

"They are a real conversation starters," she said.

"Some children have included tasks as well like dot-to-dot challenges, which is fun.

"It's just a really nice way to get the residents involved and they really appreciate it."

Miss Strawbridge said the residents were either writing back to the pupils from Queen Margaret's school themselves or with the aid of carers.

"We want to keep this going and keep up the conversation," she said.

"And even though there is generation differences residents are finding lots in common - like the love of cats for some!

"We need more positive steps like this."

The initiative is part of the Queen Margaret's School scheme to connect current pupils with the school's former pupils who make up the alumnae group 'Old Margaretians.' This includes former students who now live in Scotland, America and Australia.

Sue Baillie, head teacher at Queen Margaret’s School, said: “We are hoping to connect our network of 'Old Margaretians' with a group of volunteer students for a 'pen pal' style email exchange.

"Of course they will have plenty in common – sharing stories of life at the school whilst maintaining an essential connection with the outside world through these uncertain times.

"My hope is that this could be the start of some truly inter-generational and lifelong friendships within the Queen Margaret family”

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