Two care homes connect residents through exchanging handmade cards and letters, fostering friendships.
Wakefield House and Deveron Way send cards to each other. The first swap was for Christmas, followed by Burns Night cards. Now, they are preparing Valentine’s cards, with friendship cards as the current project.
Leanne Stephen, manager of Wakefield House, believed sending cards was a good idea. Deveron Way joined the Parklands group recently, as did Wakefield House. They decided to swap homemade cards, fostering connection and creativity.
Anne assists residents in making cards. Some residents were especially eager to participate, and receiving cards brings them joy. These simple gestures hold significant meaning for them.
James Hayes, from Deveron Way, noted that writing letters evokes a sense of tradition. While texting is faster, writing a card conveys a deeper sentiment.
The process of making cards is enjoyable for everyone involved. Residents eagerly anticipate new letters and appreciate seeing a new card arrive.
The homes aim to strengthen their friendship further. They are planning to engage in activities together, enhancing social interaction and camaraderie.
Wakefield House joined Parklands in September 2023, with Deveron Way following in May of the previous year. The Parklands group now encompasses a total of twelve homes.