Primary school children send letters to isolated elderly residents in Sheffield nursing home

Abbeyfield Primary Academy students and Sheffield Steelers junior footballers created pictures and wrote notes to surprise elderly people at Twelve Trees Care Home in Nether Edge.

It’s after the government enforced a nation lock down last week – people can only leave the house for essential travel and if they’re a key worker.

The over 70s have been instructed to self isolate for the next three months to prevent catching Covid-19 as elderly people with health conditions have been identified as the group most likely to succumb to the virus.

The surprise delivery of hand-drawn pictures and letters helped raise spirits in the nursing home after residents have been unable to see their friends and family because of the pandemic.

Registered Manager Nicola Smith said: “I think it really really cheered them up, I think they thought it was lovely.

"It wasn't only the residents that got something from it, it was the staff as well because all the staff read the cards.

"I think it was great for them to think that people haven't forgotten about us – it does help motivate you that you're doing a good job.”

The manager who has worked at Twelve Trees Care for 24 years, explained how the lock down measures have impacted people in the home.

"It's been really difficult for them.

"We've been really honest but some of our residents just won't have a sense of what's happening and they may find it difficult.”

Staff have been helping residents call, skype and write to their family members to help keep them in contact while physical visits are banned.

Some workers have moved out of their homes to prevent the risk of spreading the disease and rearranged child care so they continue providing support to the elderly.

"The staff have been really good - they've all been dedicated to the work and they are trying to make sure they keep themselves as healthy and as safe as possible,” Nicola added.