Children colour in Co-operative Christmas cards for care home residents

Date published: 23 December 2020

Belfield Primary School and Milnrow Parish Primary School children have been busy decorating, colouring and writing more than 200 Christmas cards over the last few weeks.

Designed by Belfield Art Group, the Christmas cards have been written and personalised by the children and were delivered to over 200 care home residents in the Milnrow and Rochdale areas in the run up to Christmas.

Care homes receiving the cards included Mornington House, Lakeside, Newhey Manor, Oaklands, The Rosemary, Stamford House, Thames House and The Willows Dementia Hub (residential and day care).

When the residents received their cards, they also got a card of their own to design and decorate so they too could send one to family members or friends.

The Christmas card project was driven by the Co-operative Member Pioneer for Milnrow, Jenny Allen. Member Pioneers work to improve communities in various ways, for example supporting a local cause or establishing local forums, to make communities a better place to work, play, live and learn.

Jenny said: “As a community we have been very aware of how isolating the pandemic has been for many residents and through this project wanted to bring some Christmas cheer to individuals and staff in care homes. I have been overwhelmed by the response and support from the local community.

“This is a project of true co-operation that has brought the community together regardless of the challenges we face.”

Cathryn Romero, deputy head teacher at Milnrow Parish, said: "The children have loved doing the cards, understanding who they are for, and contributing to the community.  As a school we enjoy developing a sense of pride, and care for our school community and that around us, so this project has been a perfect opportunity to do just that!”

Donna Tucker, deputy manager at Lakeside residential home where cards were recently delivered, was extremely happy to be involved in the project. She commented: "It is so important for the residents to receive this little bit of happiness in a card. They have had a very tough few months and we cannot wait to give them a small piece of joy this Christmas.”

The beautifully designed Christmas cards have been brought to life by Belfield Art Group and printed with support from the Co-op in Milnrow.

Belfield Art Group (BAG) are one of three local causes that are currently being supported with funding from the Co-operative. Explaining what BAG do and how they have continued to bring people together during the pandemic, Neil Bamford from the group said: “We provide art education to the people of Belfield and surrounding area but, even more importantly in these times, we are now providing vital contact through Zoom to many people who would not speak or see another human being for many days."