An intergenerational pen pal project is helping bring Medomsley residents together during lockdown.
Year 5 pupils from Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School have put pen to paper, hand-writing letters to the residents at Magdalene Court Retirement Living scheme, managed by Karbon Homes.
The project is a result of the social value commitment of one of Karbon’s suppliers, Lyreco, through Karbon’s Unlocking Social Value programme. The office supplies and workplace solutions provider donated a host of stationary for the children to get creative with their letters, as well as boxes for the Covid secure transfer of letters from the school to the scheme and back.
David Mordue, Deputy Headteacher at Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School, said: “The children have loved writing letters to the residents at Magdalene Court and the project has really helped them to see just what a positive difference something simple like receiving a letter can make to someone’s day.
“It’s been brilliant to work with Karbon Homes on this project, helping to bridge the gap between the different generations living in the village. The children have really enjoyed the whole process, it’s not often they get to write and send a letter and they’re always so excited to get a reply from their new friend.”
The Medomsley pen pal scheme was launched as a project pilot for Lyreco and due to its success the plan is to expand the project wider to help other Karbon Retirement Living schemes across the region to strengthen relationships with local schools.
Jessica Wray, Karbon’s Community Connector for the area, said: “12 months of national restrictions and social distancing measures have had a big impact on many of our older residents. The need to stay at home or shield has meant they haven’t had as much social contact as they would have normally from family, friends and neighbours, attending activities and groups, and even just popping to the shops.
“This fantastic partnership with Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School has help alleviate feelings of isolation amongst the residents, many of whom have said how lovely it is to know that someone is thinking of them.
Through Karbon’s Unlocking Social Value programme, contractors and suppliers contribute social value commitments which help our Customer and Community Engagement Teams to deliver a range of activities.
An intergenerational pen pal project is helping bring Medomsley residents together during lockdown.
Year 5 pupils from Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School have put pen to paper, hand-writing letters to the residents at Magdalene Court Retirement Living scheme, managed by Karbon Homes.
The project is a result of the social value commitment of one of Karbon’s suppliers, Lyreco, through Karbon’s Unlocking Social Value programme. The office supplies and workplace solutions provider donated a host of stationary for the children to get creative with their letters, as well as boxes for the Covid secure transfer of letters from the school to the scheme and back.
David Mordue, Deputy Headteacher at Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School, said: “The children have loved writing letters to the residents at Magdalene Court and the project has really helped them to see just what a positive difference something simple like receiving a letter can make to someone’s day.
“It’s been brilliant to work with Karbon Homes on this project, helping to bridge the gap between the different generations living in the village. The children have really enjoyed the whole process, it’s not often they get to write and send a letter and they’re always so excited to get a reply from their new friend.”
The Medomsley pen pal scheme was launched as a project pilot for Lyreco and due to its success the plan is to expand the project wider to help other Karbon Retirement Living schemes across the region to strengthen relationships with local schools.
Jessica Wray, Karbon’s Community Connector for the area, said: “12 months of national restrictions and social distancing measures have had a big impact on many of our older residents. The need to stay at home or shield has meant they haven’t had as much social contact as they would have normally from family, friends and neighbours, attending activities and groups, and even just popping to the shops.
“This fantastic partnership with Bishop Ian Ramsey C of E Primary School has help alleviate feelings of isolation amongst the residents, many of whom have said how lovely it is to know that someone is thinking of them.
Through Karbon’s Unlocking Social Value programme, contractors and suppliers contribute social value commitments which help our Customer and Community Engagement Teams to deliver a range of activities.
More news
Are you signed up for MyKarbon?
MyKarbon is a free, safe and secure online service that can be used anytime, anywhere, to manage your rent and repairs.
Recognising an ‘Unsung Hero’ in South Tyneside