Christmas cards bring cheer to seniors

Central Coast schoolchildren are bringing Christmas joy to seniors this month as part of an intergenerational program designed to remedy festive isolation.

Home Instead is again teaming up with Meals on Wheels Australia to help deliver the cards to seniors around the country – much like the man in the red suit does with his sleigh on Christmas eve – with the Central Coast among the stops.

Local school students are taking part in the initiative designed to combat loneliness and social isolation among seniors during the festive period, decorating 2,700 Christmas cards for older members of their community.

The cards are being distributed to seniors around the region, including patients in palliative care, rehabilitation and geriatric wards at Gosford Hospital, Woy Woy Hospital and Wyong Hospital.

They are also being handed out at Meals on Wheels Christmas lunches, with local Scout Xavier Chapman hand delivering the cards to seniors at lunches in Woy Woy and Tuggerah.

Home Instead Acting Chief Operating Officer Amanda Spencer said it was heartwarming to see the interactions between seniors and school children through the program, which is celebrating its 10th year.

“We know seniors in our community are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and that these risks tend to amplify at Christmas time,” she said.

“It’s incredibly important to make sure these individuals don’t feel like they’re forgotten – and a handwritten Christmas card can be a simple way to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

“Having school students pen heartfelt messages in the cards helps promote intergenerational engagement, putting smiles on the faces of young and old.”

Meals on Wheels Australia Chair Paul Sadler said the organisation was incredibly proud to be part of the program.