Students send messages to city’s care homes residents

Hundreds of Ripon Grammar School students are sending colourful messages of festive cheer to elderly residents in the city’s care homes.

Pupils from Year 7 and Year 8 hope to spread a little 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 as he opens his Christmas presents: “They may not be able to see family and may be lonely. I hope my letter brings someone some happiness.”

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Head of Year 7 Arwen Hoskins, who explained the students had been inspired by a national appeal, 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.”

Student Annabelle Crossland, 12, of Ripon said: “I think it’s important for the elderly this year because of lockdown. They might not be able to see anyone at all.

“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.”

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The Classrooms to Care Homes campaign, initiated by the Times Educational Supplement, urges schools throughout the country to send messages to their local care homes. It is hoped this will forge connections not just for Christmas but beyond.

Miss Hoskins added: “We hope that by writing letters to residents in our local care homes, we can spread a little Christmas joy, and cheer up some residents by letting them know that our school community cares for them and is thinking about them at this difficult time.

“Ripon Grammar School is very proud to take part.”

Students will be writing to homes including Borrage.

Lesley Carter of 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.”