May 14 2020: New technology unites young and old in new Sheffcare campaign

THE COVID-19 pandemic has failed to halt to a new campaign uniting Sheffield’s youngest and oldest citizens.

Sheffcare, the charity that operates a chain of 10 care homes across the city, launched its Adopt a Care Home project at three of its sites before the current lockdown began.

Children from Foxhill Primary School visited nearby Midhurst, while Sharrow Primary pupils visited Grange Crescent and youngsters from Netherthorpe Primary made links with Burnt Tree Croft.

The weekly visits were filled with shared activities, laughter and stories, all of which came to a halt in March.

“As time went on it became clear that the visits would have to be halted to maintain the safety of Sheffcare residents, so other ways of maintaining contact were found,” said Sheffcare Volunteer Coordinator Kathryn Rawling.

“All three homes have a care home WhatsApp link so photos and messages are being sent from the schools and cards and pictures have been created and delivered, all bringing a feeling of connection.

“Lovely happy pictures are being sent too for the residents to feel the happiness that a child’s smiling face can bring.

“And Foxhill even went the extra mile, creating a lovely short video clip with messages of care and fun, which again our activity workers shared with residents on WhatsApp.

“It may not be exactly the project we set out on but once again we have proved that our residents are happy to embrace 21st century technology in a way that keeps them in touch with the rest of the world.”