ELDERLY people living in lockdown in their own homes across the Frodsham, Halton area are having their lives brightened by letters from local schoolchildren.
Letters written by pupils from a number of local primary schools have drawn pictures and written letters and sent them to pensioners who might be feeling lonely as a result of not being about to see their families.
The “Letter for a Senior” initiative arose from a partnership between Frodsham-based care company Home Instead Senior Care, who provide care to clients in their own homes, and local primary schools.
Jane Pinnington, community relations co-ordinator at the care company said, “We recognised in this pandemic that our elderly will be missing out on seeing family, friends, and grandchildren, so we have come up with a project called ‘Letter for a Senior’.
“The results have been brilliant – the children’s letters and drawings are adorable. Our first batch of letters and drawing have gone out our elderly clients, and we know that they put a smile on their faces. The children’s letters also invite the recipient to write a reply, so we are looking forward to see what letters the children might get back.”
Evlyn, 8, from Manley Village School, wrote a letter and shared the news about a new business she started to raise money for charity. She wrote, “When coronavirus started, I made a rainbow business, and gave every single pence to NHS key workers. In the end, I earned, £2000 for the NHS.”
Pensioner Alastair Jenkins, also from Manley, was so moved by the letter that he wrote one back – and now a two-way conversation has started. Many other seniors have also responded to the letters.
Now, Jane and her team are reaching out to other groups in the community who might know people who would benefit from receiving a letter to help boost their spirits.
Evlyn’s letter