Cards for Kindness launches for Christmas

A heart-warming winter campaign encouraging people to send Christmas cards to residents in local care homes has launched.

Cards for Kindness, now in its fourth year, aims to tackle loneliness and isolation in care homes across Lancashire and South Cumbria – and people across Blackburn with Darwen are being urged to lend a festive hand.

The theme for this year’s scheme is “What warms your heart this winter?” and people are being asked to include examples of what makes them happy alongside their festive greetings.

This could be anything from pulling on a favourite Christmas jumper or eating a mince pie, to watching your favourite movie or snuggling up with the dog on the sofa on a rainy winter afternoon.

The idea is that opening the Christmas card helps to start conversations and bring back happy memories. Research shows that these conversations can have many benefits and reduce loneliness, particularly for people living with dementia.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Cards for Kindness is a really positive and heart-warming project which lets us spread festive cheer and kindness to those living within Lancashire’s care homes.

 

Loneliness within care homes has been a growing problem, especially after the last eighteen months and the impact Covid-19 has had on families and friends being able to visit loved ones. One card could make all the difference to people and we are encouraging schools, businesses, community groups, friends and family across Blackburn with Darwen to get involved and help tackle loneliness this Christmas.”

There are more than 13,600 people in care homes across Lancashire and South Cumbria, and reducing loneliness is a crucial part of improving their physical and mental wellbeing.

All the information people need to get involved, including contact details for care homes, a way to send an e-card and ideas for messages, is available on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership website  www.healthierlsc.co.uk/CardsForKindness.

Those sending Christmas cards are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #CardsForKindness.