Residents of Cumberland are being urged to create Christmas cards and send them to their local care homes to bring festive cheer to residents.
The 'Cards for Kindness' project was originally set up in summer 2018 and has since grown across Lancashire and Cumbria, with almost 200 care homes in these areas now participating.
Loneliness is a growing problem among older people, and in care homes, it can be a particularly difficult issue to resolve. These homemade cards, which will bring a smile to recipients' faces and prompt conversations, can be shared with your nearest participating care home directly, find a home here: LSC Integrated Care Board | Cards for Kindness (icb.nhs.uk)
Schools, libraries, Scouts and Guides and local arts and crafts groups have thrown their support behind the scheme in recent years, creating amazing cards that have been a talking point for care home residents – and we'd love others to join in, too.
If you'd like to get involved but aren't very arty, we welcome all cards including ones that have been bought, or you can send an e-card, as long as they include a cheerful message.
Cllr Markus Campbell-Savours, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Adults and Community Health, said: "Care home residents are always really happy to receive the cards and messages from the Cards for Kindness scheme. It is always nice to receive a card through the post and the scheme promotes community connection and reduces feelings of loneliness.
"We'd love for as many people as possible to get involved and we are really looking forward to seeing your festive creations."
Lindsey Dickinson, associate medical director for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “The Cards for Kindness initiative is a very simple idea but it can have a big impact on those receiving a card.
“If you can take a few minutes out of your day to create a card, please do – the cards are always appreciated and the positive messages usually get shared around the care homes.
“It’s a great way to spread some festive cheer and it helps people living in our local care homes feel more connected, which is always important – especially at a time of year where they might feel a little isolated.”
We'd love to see your Cards for Kindness creations so we can use them in the media and on social media to help promote the scheme. If you're happy to share these, please send them to media@cumberland.gov.uk stating you are happy for us to share your image.
