AN INTERGENERATIONAL letter-writing project is connecting schoolchildren stuck at home with aged care residents who are unable to have visitors during the COVID-19 crisis.
Newcastle Sisters Dee, 12, and Olive, eight, who have been homeschooling due to the coronavirus pandemic decided to write to residents at local Anglican Care nursing homes after they realised how much they missed their friends.
"We thought that the Anglican care residents might be feeling the same way," they said.
"So, we talked with mum and decided to write letters to stay connected and we are super excited to hear their reply and to make some new friends."
The girls' mother, Laurie, who has been the official photographer with Anglican Care for many years, came up with the idea as she knew about the organisation's Connecting Generations program.
As part of the program, children are invited to write letters, cards or send colouring and pictures to residents living in their residential aged care homes.
"I have spent so much time with the Anglican Care family, and I know it would be an extremely difficult time especially for the more 'social' residents," said Laurie, of 3L Photography.
"When the girls asked if they could send letters to help them feel more connected, I jumped at it."
Anglican Care marketing manager Kylie Jacques said while social distancing remains a priority for everyone, staying socially connected was vital, and a simple kind gesture to help brighten the day for residents can go a long way.
"People still need to make meaningful connections with one another but fulfilling that need may look a little different for a while," she said.
"National restrictions on visitors to Anglican Care means our residents won't be able to see anyone under 16 and for many of them this loss will be upsetting."
She said this crisis presents a great opportunity to teach younger Australians the importance of giving back to others, understanding how much we can learn from our elderly and how the littlest of things can make someone's day.
"Our Connecting Generations program is a core element of life at Anglican Care and it is more important than ever we continue it," Ms Jacques said.
Due to infection control issues, all correspondence is then uploaded to the Anglican Care website, where they will be downloaded and printed for residents.
"This is just a small way to get children involved in helping people feel better in their community," Ms Jacques said. "And who knows, it may also help some of the parents out there undertaking homeschooling duties."
Arcadia Vale Primary School in Lake Macquarie has already jumped on board the project, with 11 students sending letters to several Anglican Care homes including Jesmond Grove, Scenic Lodge, Toronto Nursing Home, Carey Bay Gardens, Kilpatrick Court, Greenmount Gardens and MacIntosh Nursing Home.
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