Just before Christmas, we elicited the creativity & compassion of the local students at College Town Primary, Sandhurst. Each asked to write a letter to our residents.
‘I am writing to brighten your day.’
After learning about Age UK in one of their lessons, they started to think about what they could include in their letters. The letters have been a great educational tool. Helping students to develop their literacy skills and promote their social and emotional development through building relationships with older generations.
One student started their letter with:
“Dear Reader,
My name is ____ and I am ten years old and live in Sandhurst. I am writing to brighten your day.”
Student, College Town Primary.
How lovely is that?
During these COVID times, our Care and Nursing homes have pioneered many ways in which we can all stay connected, mainly through technology, but a handwritten letter can mean so much more.
Writing letters freezes that moment in time. It’s a personal, caring way of having a distant conversation. Much more thoughtful than simply texting or emailing – it’s more effort and thus more appreciated – especially over the slightly different Christmas period we’ve just had.
Letter writing is a lost art. Previously a staple of communication, now seen as ‘inefficient.’ I think, in these weird times, we could all use a bit of old-fashioned, personal communication.
They are a fantastic way of easing isolation during the lockdown, especially for the older generations. Whether you’re writing to a loved one, a long-distance friend, or even to your future self – there’s no doubt there are benefits for both emotional and mental health.
A special thank you to College Town Primary for your lovely letters. Each one was cherished. Kindness, small or big, has a wonderful way of going further than you could imagine.
If you’d like to get involved with writing letters, our addresses are listed below. Anything from an ‘I’m thinking of you’ letter down to a conversation of personal struggle – I think we could all use a little bit of community kindness as we proceed through 2021.
Fourways Residential: 45 Scotland Hill, Sandhurst, GU47 8JR
Longlea Nursing Home: Fifield Road, Fifield, Maidenhead, SL6 2PG
Haldane House: 127 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BW