Primary school pupils are writing their way into 2024 after popping into Kendal Care Home to share letters they had written to residents.
Armed with homemade Christmas decorations, 19 pupils aged seven to 11 from St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary in Windermere read letters they had written about their summer holidays.
Fergal Ruane and Mike Spellman, of the home’s activity team, organised the visit and it went so well that they are now organising a minibus to take the penpals to see the children’s carol concert
Fergal said: “Having the children visit and starting a penpal friendship is amazing for the residents, especially those with dementia. Hearing what the children are up to sparks their curiosity and memories of their own childhood, and their children and grandchildren if they have them.
“By being partnered off with the children they chatted to most they’ve already started to make bonds. That personal connection will give them a wonderful new relationship and a sense of purpose in knowing their young friend is expecting a letter.”
The children’s letters included stories about family visits to Poland and Ukraine, trips to the cinema and walks with the dog.
It’s hoped the penpal bond will continue for many years.
Alison Baker, 61, a resident at the 120-bed home, said: “It was an excellent day and I’d love it to happen more often. It was great to have the chance to interact with a younger age group as we could discuss things from when we were young that they never knew.
“And they told us about the things we never did, like the changes in all the technology from when we were kids to now. It’s amazing how much has changed and it was wonderful to talk to them, everyone loved it.”
The children even managed to squeeze in birthday celebrations and a song for Eileen celebrating her 99th birthday that day.
Jennifer Pearson, classroom support assistant at St Cuthbert’s, said: “It was a really lovely visit, and the home and residents were so welcoming. It’s important for our pupils to be part of our community and meet different people including those who are often not seen and can be forgotten like those living in care homes.
“It was great to see our pupils’ exchanging tales and telling jokes with the residents as many of them have family who live outside the UK so don’t get to see their own grandparents and older relatives very often. I’m sure there will lot of great letters over the coming months.”
Headteacher Lucy Bone added: “Our school mission is to ‘help one another, this is what we do with all our hearts’ so I’m delighted to see the kindness and compassion shown by our pupils during the visit.
“They’re loving writing letters to their new friends and one of our girls visited Blackpool and has bought her penpal a gift. We’re looking forward to their visit here and the next letter exchange.”
