Girls get creative to spread festive cheer
Care home residents receive kind card gifts
Kind- hearted members of a girls’ brigade have been spreading festive cheer by sending bespoke Christmas cards to residents in a care home.
The 1st Troon Girls’ Brigade have designed their own Christmas cards and sent them to residents and staff at Mansfield Care’s Belhaven House, who had hoped to host them for a Christmas Carolling session before Covid- 19 axed social activities.
Before the pandemic, some of the 50 strong team had started to visit the residents weekly after school- said to be a highlight for both residents and the girls.
Troop Captain and retired primary teacher, 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.
“There f o re, we have decided to show our love and appreciation by sending Christmas cards instead.
“My own mother is in a care
home and I haven’t sat with her for nine months, so I know how hard it is not being able to see your loved ones, and just how hard each carer works to keep them safe and entertained.
“The residents at Belhaven House are very much part of this community, so if we can bring a smile to their faces or a small dose of happiness then it has
been worth it.”
1st Troon Girls’ Brigade planned to visit the home on VE Day to sing World War Two 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.”