Students spread a little festive joy to care homes

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.

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

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.

“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,” said Miss Hoskins.

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

Students will be writing to residents in care homes including Borrage House, Caxton Lodge and the Moors Care Centre

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