KIDS REACH OUT TO NURSING HOMES
CHILDREN from Moneystown NS have been brightening up the day of nursing home residents by sending them letters and art-work.
The idea was the brainchild of teacher Ruth Wolohan and involved sending correspondence from third and fourth class pupils to nursing homes and hospitals in Wicklow, Mayo and London.
Their efforts were also featured on the RTE programme Nationwide. Between 25 and 30 children were involved in all.
‘These are strange and difficult times so I wanted to something with the ‘feelgood’ factor. The kids are delighted with the whole experience, as are the nursing home residents,’ said Ruth.
The letters and art designs were sent to Knockrobin Nursing Home in Wicklow, as well as a nursing home in Mayo and the London based National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
‘In most cases the children wouldn’t know the residents so they start the letters with ‘dear friend’. The letters they sent are mainly the kids talking about themselves. Some of the children sent in videos, others sent in some drawings they had been working on. Exercise ideas were sent on to the residents.
‘A few letters mention newborn lambs and how some of the kids live on a farm or nearby to one. They also encouraged the residents to keep in touch with family and loved ones. It’s nice to have something a bit light that brings a smile to faces,’ added Ruth.
The whole campaign has proved both beneficial for the nursing home residents and the children involved, with Nationwide also featuring the exploits of the Moneystown NS pupils.
‘Nurses and care home staff have gotten back to us to let us know how delighted the residents are with the letters. It made their day. They set up a TV room in the nursing home in Mayo so they could all watch Nationwide together. The kids are also thrilled to be involved and are delighted with themselves. They have been missing contact with their grandparents so they have loved the whole experience.’