Pupils send letters of support to care home residents to help combat loneliness

Year 7 pupils from Outwood Academy Hemsworth wrote letters to residents at Springfield Grange with the hope of helping them cope with the loneliness that comes with being unable to see their families and loved ones.

Some of the letters contained drawings of what they had been up to during the lockdown while also encouraging residents to make the most of technology to speak with their loved ones over video calls if possible.

One wrote: “I’m sorry you can’t see your families or anyone because of these hard times but remember just because you can’t see anyone doesn’t mean they don't love you. Hold their love in your heart and don’t let go.”

Another said: “I hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to spread some happiness and send you this letter to show my care to all of you.”

The residents and staff at the Grove Lane-based care home were also surprised with flowers from the school.

The secondary academy’s staff also sent flowers and cards, along with the students’ letters to help spread some cheer during the long winter months.

Aleks Korab-Karpinska, the teacher at Outwood Academy Hemsworth who helped organise the initiative, said: “Sadly, we are all too aware of just how difficult the last twelve months have been for everybody.

“Credit must go to our students for this, it was they who wanted to do something to make a positive impact on our community.

“Some of them have been writing to residents since the very first lockdown almost a year ago.

“At Outwood we want to play a key role in our local community and encourage our students to be active and get involved wherever they can within the community.

“Which is why I am so proud of the brilliant work they’ve done for the Springfield Grange care home residents and staff.”

The residents of the care home plan to return the favour and write back to the students.

Courtney McKelvie, Events Coordinator at Springfield Grange, said: “Here at Springfield Grange we believe in being one big family and looking out for one another.

“Outwood Academy and Springfield Grange have come together in these difficult times to bring some joy and positivity to the residents and kept the feeling of being a wholesome, positive community whilst we have been kept apart.”