Elderly people across Cheltenham and the Cotswolds are in for a festive boost this December, as kind-hearted children from local primary schools are creating Christmas cards and writing letters to be delivered across the local community.

After the challenges of lockdown and the loneliness and isolation it has caused, Abbeymead Primary School and Haresfield Primary School are keen to give back to the elderly in the community this Christmas.

Deputy head, Natasha Bradley at Abbeymead Primary School said: "This year has been a very challenging one for everyone and we all felt it was more important than ever that as a school we support the older members of our community.

"All of the staff and pupils were excited to be able to take part in a project that allows us to think about others and bring Christmas cheer to the elderly in our area. "

One pupil said: "It was great fun to create a Christmas card in school. During lockdown I missed my nanny and grampy so I made them a card which made them very happy. Hopefully, my Christmas card can make someone happy this Christmas."

Care in the home provider, Home Instead Senior Care Cheltenham & Cotswolds, came up with the idea for the school project this year because this festive season many of their elderly clients will have limited access to friends and family due to the pandemic.

Business owner Amanda Hamer said: "This year has seen older people struggle with loneliness due to the pandemic, with many forced to isolate or shield for several months from friends or family."

"Due to the pandemic our clients, like many others, will have few if any friends and family visiting them over the Christmas period. With this in mind we wanted to spread a little extra joy and happiness this festive season by sending out handmade Christmas cards and letters. Receiving the childrens' lovely letters and cards will not only bring a little joy but it will also help lift spirits, reduce stress and anxiety, and unlock happy memories."

Home Instead Senior Care Cheltenham & Cotswolds provides home care services to elderly and vulnerable people throughout the local area, with their Services ranging from home help and companionship, to more specialist dementia care.

To find out more about their services please call the friendly Care Team on 01242 513203 or visit https://homeinsteadcare.co/schoolproject.