Sheffield children drew pictures to cheer up isolated dementia patients during the coronavirus

One of the Grenoside Grange residents showing the drawings they were sent.

Children from Bolehill Nursery sent in artwork to surprise residents at Grenoside Grange – a dementia ward.

The government has advised those over 70 to self isolate for the next three months in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.

People with health conditions have also been identified as being most at risk of succumbing to the virus.

Another patient holding up the letter children sent in.

In a letter, children from the nursery said: “Hello… We are children from Bolehill Nursery, we are three and four years old and we wanted to draw you some pictures.

“We hope they make you smile.”

Clinical Ward Manager Joanne Sims explained how the patients on Salt Box Lane reacted to the unexpected post.

“They were chuffed to bits.

“We've got a lot of impaired people in here but we've also got some people who can understand what has happened and they were just really genuinely surprised, happy and grateful.

“It cheered them up.”

Staff have laminated the drawings and put them up on the wall for patients to enjoy.

Joanne, who has worked on the ward for the last five years, shared how the social distancing measures have effected residents.

“They're very much missing their family and friends who would normally visit.

"It's heart breaking to be honest.

"I myself, my dad had dementia and there was a period of time with norovirus where I couldn't see him and I know how it feels, it's just awful.”

Workers on the ward are helping residents skype and call their loved ones, while also taking pictures of patients to provide updates to family members during this period of isolation.

Joanne is encouraging more children and adults to send in pictures and letters for people on the ward.

"Any letters or just something to change the dreary routine that has been stuck in one place basically.

"However small the gesture is it means so much to the staff and patients.

Despite many staff absences, employees have been sticking up positive affirmations – such as ‘you’re looking good today’ – to keep morale high.