Children in Wakefield asked to send a virtual hug to care home residents this Valentine's Day with new postcard campaign

As part of a new Pal-entine's campaign from Wakefield Council, children are being asked the chance to send messages of friendship to care home residents across the district.

It is hoped that the postcards, which can be handwritten or emailed, will help bring "long distance hugs" to isolated residents ahead of Valentine's week.

The Pal-entine's campaign is being delivered by Wakefield Council in partnership with Spectrum Community Health CIC, WDH, Young Lives and Wakefield College.

Darren Portman, Care and Health Manager at WDH, said: “This year has been especially tough for the residents in our independent living schemes across the district. It’s more important than ever to keep in touch with older and vulnerable people in our communities to prevent social isolation.

“Being involved with this campaign means these messages will help lift the spirits of our residents, who may not have seen loved ones for a long time."

The postcards will be delivered to care homes across the district in the week beginning Monday, February 15.

And as part of the Pal-entine's scheme, people are also being asked to share the love with video calls, letters and drawings to grandparents, elderly relatives and neighbours.

Coun Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are aware that lack of social contact has been extremely difficult for all of us during the pandemic and we hope that this campaign will raise a smile and bring some happiness to our more vulnerable residents.

“It is a fantastic way to encourage the younger generation to think about the life experience and value the older generation bring to our community.”

Postcard messages should be emailed to [email protected], where a member of staff will write the message onto a postcard to be distributed to a care home residents.

A postcard template is also available on the Wakefield Council website for people who wish to distribute their own messages to loved ones.

Wakefield College Principal, Sam Wright, said: "The current pandemic has brought some real challenges for lots of people, including feelings of isolation, and it's heart-warming to be involved in a project which shows people that others care about them."