Residents at HC-One’s Harnham Croft in Salisbury are building and nurturing new connections with pupils in France.
Late last month the Residents of Harnham Croft each received a handwritten Christmas card from schoolchildren all the way in Fontaine.
The pupils sent the cards to brighten spirits in the care home and to implement their studies in English language.
In their cards they told stories about themselves and their families and discussed their hobbies, thoughts and feelings.
One Resident commented: “What a lovely idea. I have never had a pen pal before and I’m looking forward to continuing our communications.”
This thought was mutual throughout Harnham Croft and many Residents are now in the process of writing their replies in a bid to forge a connection with a new friend.
Another Resident said: “This is so kind. What a lovely gesture.
“I am very keen to continue writing back to the students and keeping up to date with their progress.”
The Residents’ new pen pals are a welcome addition to the home to show that new friendships can be made, even in the difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic.
Harnham Croft Home Manager, Jim Bowie, said: “It is great that during these difficult times where our Residents are unable to see their loved ones as often they would like that we can support them to develop new relationships with children from overseas.”