Children asked to write to Hatton Grange care home residents

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

Older people living at Anchor’s Hatton Grange in Oldham Street are looking for young pen pals to help the children pass the time while their schools are shut.

The carers at Hatton Grange, 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.

Angela Brown, Manager of Hatton Grange, said: “On hearing that schools in Hyde 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 Doreen Chandley, 86, who has lived at Hatton Grange for three months, said she was looking forward to receiving letters and drawings from the children.

Doreen, who used to write letters frequently, especially to one of her friends in Australia, said: “I would feel very honoured if a little one decided to write me a letter or draw me a picture. I would treasure it forever.”

“It is an interesting age being a child and it’s nice to hear about what they like doing in comparison to how I was as a child and what I liked doing.
“I do think writing letters requires a talent especially when you know exactly what to write, sometimes we can write more down on paper then we can verbalise.”

Anyone wanting to write to the residents, should send letters or drawings to Angela Brown, Manager, Hatton Grange, Oldham Street, Hyde, SK14 1LN.

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