How South Tyneside teenagers are lifting the spirits of care home residents during lockdown

Dozens of South Tyneside teenagers have been writing to elderly residents as part of a new scheme to bring different generations together during the pandemic.

The project, run by South Shields-based Bright Futures, asked young people to write letters and cards to residents living in local care homes.

It’s aim was to cheer them up and help them stay in touch with the wider community while the borough was under lockdown and their family and friends unable to visit due to Covid-19.

More than 30 young people got involved, writing to residents in homes across South Shields, Cheviot Court, Harton Grange, Hawthorn Court and Bedewell Grange.

Fifteen-year-old Harton Academy pupil, Chloe Mason, has been keeping her pen pal Brenda, who lives at Cheviot Court, up to date with her experiences during the lockdown and opening up about how she has been coping.

Chloe, who recently joined the Police Cadets, encouraged other young people there to get involved.

“It’s given me something to focus on during the lockdown,” she said.

“I’ve been writing to Brenda and we’ve developed a really nice bond – I’m looking forward to meeting up with her once all this is over.”

The young people are now looking forward to having some fish and chips with their new pen pals once the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Bright Futures project worker, Ellen Donaghy commented: “Our pen pal scheme has been hugely popular with our young people, with over 30 letters written to residents of local care homes. This was all supported by Chloe, who has worked hard to get others involved.

“We are so proud of her efforts and encouragement to build positive relationships between different generations at such difficult, lonely times for all.

“After lockdown measures are eased and when it is safe to do so, we hope to introduce the young people to their new pen pals they’ve been writing to whilst enjoying some fish and chips.”

Visit the Facebook Page Bright Futures Young Women’s Project to get involved.

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