Care HomesNews

Youngsters Send Festive Cheer To Shielding Elderly Residents

A Girls’ Brigade company have been spreading Christmas cheer to residents in a local care development by sending bespoke Christmas cards.

The 1st Troon Girls’ Brigade in South Ayrshire have designed their own Christmas cards and sent them to residents and staff at Mansfield Care’s Belhaven House.

At 50 strong, the youngsters hope to provide a card for every carer and resident to say thank you and send their best wishes over the festive season.

Belhaven House had hoped to host the company for a Christmas Carolling session and the senior girls, before the pandemic, had started to visit the residents weekly after school.

However, all joint activities have been cancelled for the foreseeable future due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, members of Troon’s Girls’ Brigade have been sending motivational messages to the staff and the residents throughout lockdown.

Troop Captain and retired primary teacher, Mrs Ray Campbell, said: “Over the past couple of years the Girls’ Brigade have formed a strong connection with the residents at Belhaven House and it has been really difficult not to be able to visit them regularly.

“We know how tough it has been for us, so as a company our immediate thoughts were on the residents and staff who have had a particularly challenging time.

“It was hoped we would be conducting Christmas activities with the care home, in person, but this year that is simply not feasible. Therefore, we have decided to show our love and appreciation by sending Christmas cards instead.

“We hope that many of the girls will be able to join in and send cards to the home, whether by post or by hand.

1st Troon Girls’ Brigade planned to visit the home on VE Day to sing World War II songs with the residents before lockdown came into effect.

A number of the older girls would also visit the home and speak with the residents on a regular basis as part of their Duke of Edinburgh voluntary programme.

Belhaven House Home Manager, Fiona Hunter, said: “Everyone at Belhaven House is thrilled about receiving the Christmas cards from the Girls’ Brigade.

“For many of the residents the girls weekly visit is a highlight for them, and we would frequently get feedback about how much they value their time and company.

“Naturally, we were saddened by the suspension of these visits, so it means the world to all our residents and staff to receive these cards.

“We can’t wait to welcome back the Girls’ Brigade in the future.”

 

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