Pupils’ cards help bring Christmas cheer and tackle loneliness
HOUSEBUILDER David Wilson Homes has partnered with Wokingham Borough Council, the LINK Visiting Scheme and Shinfield St Mary’s Church of England Junior School to help combat seasonal loneliness in Berkshire.
With funding from the housebuilder, who is behind the latest Finchwood Park development in Finchampstead, pupils have designed festive greeting cards, with the winning designs being sent to vulnerable and lonely residents within the borough.
Research from Mind revealed that a third of people feel embarrassed to admit they are lonely during the Christmas season, with one in five feeling as though they have nowhere to turn to for support.
To help tackle this, the pupils designed Christmas cards, which were delivered to more than
500 people across the borough.
Here, the children set their Christmas imaginations free to create festive drawings, with the four winners’ work forming the final designs sent to support the local community.
Alex Dowling, head of sales and marketing at David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “The Christmas season can be a difficult and lonely time, which is why it’s so important that we support everyone within our community.
“It was very inspiring to see the kindness of the pupils at Shinfield St Mary’s Church of England Junior School.
“We are working alongside Wokingham Borough Council once again with this amazing initiative, and hope that all our efforts provide the support needed in making our community’s Christmas brighter.”
Joyce Stoner, community engagement officer at Wokingham Borough Council, added: “This initiative has beenan important way to teach students in our borough about the importance of supporting each other during the festive season and the value of generosity.
“The children had a wonderful time in making their designs, including gingerbread houses and festive Santa Clauses.
“Knowing that their designs will have such an impact and bring joy within the community has truly made the students proud.”