Local landmarks help tackle loneliness

Our lovely local landmarks will be helping to tackle loneliness in care homes this summer thanks to a caring postcard project.

With travel abroad limited, more people than ever will be out and about exploring closer to home.

Whether visiting iconic buildings like Blackpool Tower, taking in the stunning south Cumbrian countryside, or roaming the majestic moorlands of Pennine Lancashire, they are being encouraged to send a postcard of their favourite place to their local care home to brighten someone’s day.

The images include a stunning view of our very own Darwen Tower and Blackburn Cathedral.

This is part of the latest Cards for Kindness campaign, which launches on Monday, July 19th. Now in its fourth year, Cards for Kindness helps to tackle loneliness and isolation among the 11,000 people living in local care homes.

This year’s campaign is particularly important as people are getting fewer visits because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Many residents haven’t been out to see the countryside for more than a year.

Receiving these postcards helps to promote a feeling of connection to the local community, as well as initiating conversations about the landmarks among the residents and bringing back happy memories.

Research shows that these conversations can have many health benefits, particularly for people who are living with dementia.

Taking part is easy, simply address your postcard to residents and pop it in the post.

All the materials, including post cards to print out, are available on the Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria website.

Printed postcards are also available at libraries, museums and other attractions across the county.

Addresses of all the care homes involved and instructions on how to take part are available here.

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

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council, said:

I am delighted to back this really important campaign and help to spread a little happiness, especially as it has been a very tough year for people in care homes with the restrictions in place for visiting.

Staff in Blackburn with Darwen care homes do a wonderful job looking after the residents, keeping them going during a very difficult time and organising activities to make sure people are still connected to each other.

It has been incredibly hard, though, and many people have been affected by loneliness and isolation. I know these cards of our beautiful local landmarks will make a big difference to a lot of people in care homes and hopefully put a big smile on their faces. I hope people take just a few minutes to write a card – I will be taking part in this and sending a card to be part of this amazing project.”

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adults and Prevention, said:

I really hope as many people in Blackburn with Darwen get involved with this fantastic programme and help to spread a little joy and happiness this summer. It has been an incredibly difficult time for people in care homes during the pandemic and this could really help to start to bring people together again and combat the isolation many have been feeling.”

Jane Brennan, Chief Nurse and Associate Director of Quality for NHS Chorley & South Ribble and NHS Greater Preston Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

Cards for Kindness is a brilliant way to put a smile on someone’s face and help people living in care homes to feel connected to their local community.

We know that Cards for Kindness has made a big impact in previous years with residents and staff telling us how much joy the cards have brought and how they initiated nostalgic conversations about happy memories of summer holidays and trips gone by.

It’s really easy to take part, there’s a list of care homes who have signed up to take part and free downloadable postcard available on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership website.”