Ripon Grammar School is bringing festive cheer to elderly residents in the city’s care homes.
Hundreds of pupils from Year 7 and Year 8 are aiming to spread joy and laughter by creating hand-made cards and sharing poems, drawings, jokes, riddles and stories about their festive celebrations.
Arnav Kasireddy, 12, from Ripon, said he would be thinking of the elderly when he opened his Christmas presents:
“They may not be able to see family and may be lonely. I hope my letter brings someone some happiness.”
Head of Year 7, Arwen Hoskins, said the pupils had been inspired by The TES Classroom to Care Home campaign.
The campaign urges schools to send messages to local care homes, in the hope that this will forge connections not just for Christmas but beyond.
Twelve-year-old Annabelle Crossland, from Ripon, whose Christmas card is pictured above said:
“It’s important they feel loved and happy and that someone will reach out and be a good friend to them.”
Ethan Kendrick, also 12, from Ripon, added:
“It’s a good thing to do because Christmas will be a lonely time for many elderly people.”
Read more:
Teacher Miss Hoskins said:
“Given the restrictions we have faced this year, we are aware many residents in care homes have had very few visits from friends and family members and may be feeling lonely.
“We hope that by writing letters to residents in our local care homes, we can spread a little Christmas joy and cheer by letting them know that our school community cares for them and is thinking about them at this difficult time.”
Pupils will be writing to residents in care homes including Borrage House, Caxton Lodge and the Moors Care Centre
Lesley Carter of the charity Age UK welcomed the initiative:
“Older people have really missed the visits from young people. Every older person would be able to recognise something that has been made by a child and it will bring back memories. Seeing lots of happy festive cheer from their local community will also give staff in care homes a boost.”