Children across Ayrshire have been sending care homes some sunshine in the post through daily drawings, poems and uplifting messages specifically for the elderly and self-isolating.

Steven Connelly, Co-op Community Member Pioneer for Irvine and Dreghorn, believes the Sunshine Through Your Letterbox campaign can help those in local care and nursing homes during self-isolation.

Steven said: “My idea behind my campaign is to spread some colour and positivity to elderly, isolated and vulnerable people during this time.

“I also wanted to create a campaign whereby children and people from all walks of life could get involved to take away the boredom during these long periods of isolation.

“I have contacted care homes such as the Three Towns Care Home in Stevenston. I received amazing responses from them which I am delighted about. Coronavirus affects everyone but the elderly are more at risk. At this time, everyone needs a little sunshine in their lives.”

Debbie Lewis, Activities Coordinator at Three Towns Care Home, said: “The residents really enjoy looking at the pictures. It definitely cheers them up and lifts their spirits. My plan is to print the drawings out to put up around the care home because they really like looking at them.”

Linda Watt, Co-op Community Member Pioneer for West Kilbride, said: “Cumnock staff have put together care packages for the vulnerable and Troon staff have been uploading arts and crafts videos online to keep people entertained.

“I’ve joined Age Concern UK so am getting linked up with an elderly person to check in with to see if they’re alright and the Coordinator Gillian is volunteering for the Ayrshire Community Trust.

“But our main focus is the Care Homes. The response from them has been great.”

If you know of a care home which could benefit from the campaign, contact steven.connelly@coopmembers.co.uk

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