Sending Hugs and Smiles

Children across Three Rivers have been brightening the days of residents at local care homes.

The initiative came about after the Meresworth Care home in Rickmansworth commented to a member of the Council’s Leisure Services team that residents were feeling lonely and isolated as the onset of Coronavirus meant that nobody was allowed to visit them. So following the success of the ‘Play with Care’ community project, it was decided to ask local primary schools to set their pupils a task to write letters, draw a picture or write a poem for residents in several care homes to open and enjoy.

Councillor Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, said: “It is a very difficult time for everyone, particularly residents in care homes who are feeling extremely secluded. To receive these lovely sentiments from young people must brighten their day.”

The following Care homes have been receiving the children’s creations: Meresworth care home, Rickmansworth, Pinewood Lodge care home, South Oxhey, Margaret House care home, Abbots Langley, Croxley House care home, Croxley Green and Hanover Court, Croxley Green.

Debby Abrey, Activities coordinator at Meresworth care home said: “It has been wonderful to receive so many drawings and letters from local school children. We even had a video sent to us! The residents have enjoyed seeing them and listening to the tales of what the children have been up to in lockdown.”

Harry, aged 7, from Tannerswood School in Abbots Langley added: “This has been a really fun thing to do, and telling people what we have been doing at home will hopefully make them smile and laugh.”

Cllr Sara Bedford, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, concluded: “I love seeing intergenerational friendships building between people who were previously strangers. This shows that we do not always need to meet in person top share hugs and smiles. I hope more schools will pair up with care homes and sheltered or assisted living accommodation to show love and build community spirit and resilience.”