School children from Bishop's Cleeve Primary School and Grangefield Primary School have brought cheer to older people throughout the area by writing them Easter cards and letters.

The campaign comes as a follow up to Home Instead Cheltenham and Cotswolds' successful Christmas wishes project, which saw local school children create and write Christmas cards for the company's elderly clients.

After seeing the difference the letters made to many older people, helping to prevent loneliness, the care company wanted to bring Spring happiness into people's homes as we start to see the lockdown easing.

The children were asked to write a card or a letter to an older person to explain what they liked about Easter and springtime. Each child that has written a letter or card will receive a chocolate Easter egg as a thank you.

The project has seen 450 schoolchildren write letters not only for Home Instead clients, but also for elderly people across the community. Local supermarkets and shops have generously donated 450 chocolate eggs which will be presented to all the school children who took part.

Amanda Hamer, owner of Home Instead Cheltenham and Cotswolds said: "With spring officially here, lighter nights and brighter days, we wanted to do something at Easter which would both benefit the children and our older clients. Lockdown has been hard for seniors, many of whom have had to shield and have been unable to see family members for months at a time.

"The lovely colourful cards and letters that the children have written really do make a difference to the lives of clients, helping to cheer them up during a difficult time. The exercise is also useful for the children, giving them a chance to practice their writing and creative skills."

Kate Bennett, SMSC Coordinator from Grangefield Primary School added: "Grangefield School was very interested in taking part in the project as we are keen to forge links with the local community. The children are all aware of what it is like to be separated from your friends and loved ones after being in lockdown so wanted to try and make as many people who may be feeling lonely as happy as they could."

Home Instead Cheltenham and Cotswolds is a local company which provides home care to seniors, helping them to stay well in their own homes for as long as possible. Their services range from home help and companionship, to specialist dementia and post-discharge care.

To find out more about their services and how they can help you or a loved one, please call 01242 513203 or visit www.homeinsteadcare.co/easter.