Children asked to write to care home residents

Staff from a care home in Newcastle-under-Lyme are asking children stuck at home during the Coronavirus pandemic to write letters to their residents as part of Anchor’s #BeKindToOneAnother campaign.

Older people living at Anchor’s Chesterton Lodge in Loomer Road, Chesterton, are looking for young pen pals to help the children pass the time while their schools are shut.

The carers at Chesterton Lodge, who organise a wide variety of activities for their residents, came up with the idea after hearing parents’ concerns about keeping the children entertained during their stay at home. Children can also send in poems and drawings.

Carol Holmes, Manager of Chesterton Lodge, said: “On hearing that schools in Newcastle-under-Lyme were closing due to the Coronavirus, many of our residents were reminded of the long school holidays and how difficult it was to keep their children entertained.”

“So we all thought why not ask local children to start writing to our residents or sending them drawings or cards as part of a meaningful activity for both groups. It will be a fun way for the children and residents to find out about each other’s lives and make new friends.”

“We’re obviously not restricting this writing project to just children so our residents would love to hear from anyone in the community, too.”

Resident Rebecca Oakden, 91, who has lived at Chesterton Lodge for two years, said she was looking forward to receiving letters and drawings from the children.

She said: “We’ve already received some letters and drawings. It’s made me so happy. I’m interested to read and hear from the children and what they have to say.”

“I enjoy writing letters and used to write to my five sisters and two brothers when I was younger, and I still write to my daughter Debra who lives in Kent. Writing letters or emails is such a good talent to perfect when you’re younger as it will be helpful in later life.”

Anyone wanting to write to the residents, should send letters or drawings to Manager Carol Holmes, Chesterton Lodge, Loomer Road, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 7LB.

People can also share this via Twitter sending to @AnchorHanover using #BeKindToOneAnother

Please view #BeKindToOneAnother for more details on the campaign.