Children from seven Chesterfield borough schools send handmade Christmas cards and write letters to the elderly

Seven schools sent seasonal greetings to residents living in Chesterfield Borough Council’s older persons housing scheme who may be feeling isolated during the Covid pandemic.

Sarah Wigfield, headteacher at Staveley Junior School, said: “Normally, the children at Staveley Junior would visit our local care homes and older residents to present them with cards and to deliver some Christmas cheer by singing carols.

“As we were unable to visit this year, we were more than happy to take part in the Christmas card project to ensure that every older resident who may be feeling isolated from the community received at least one card. They were all handmade by the children and addressed personally to the residents.”

Abbey Stevenson, headteacher at Brampton Primary School, added: “The links with our community are very important to everyone at Brampton Primary School. It has been a difficult and challenging year for all, and the children are really pleased they’ve been able to spread a little joy to some of the local residents during the festive period.”

Children from Duckmanton Primary School, Cavendish Junior School, Whittington Green School, Old Hall Junior School and Highfield Hall Primary School also participated in the project.

T he borough council has been keen to work with the community to bring a boost for residents who may be feeling isolated after the challenges of lockdown.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “Due to the current restrictions, residents living in our older persons housing scheme have not been able to get together and celebrate as they have in previous years.

“We have had a truly amazing response from local schools. We're really grateful to our Careline team too, who have gone out of their way to co-ordinate this project. We’ll also be giving our residents the opportunity to respond to the children in the New Year and thank them for their lovely cards.”