Residents at Three West Yorkshire Care Homes Spread Festive Cheer Through International Christmas Card Exchange
Residents at Ashworth Grange in Dewsbury, Greenacres in Meltham, and The Oakes in Huddersfield have been getting creative this festive season by taking part in a heart-warming international Christmas card exchange with a care home in Tipperary, Ireland.
The idea began after colleagues spotted a social media post inviting care homes to exchange handmade Christmas cards. Inspired by the opportunity to connect with others and share festive goodwill across borders, residents from all three HC-One homes enthusiastically set to work producing a beautiful array of handcrafted cards.
With glitter, ribbons, paint and festive spirit, residents created unique cards filled with warm wishes for their counterparts in Ireland. The activity brought the homes together, with staff and residents collaborating to design cards that would bring joy to new friends across the Irish Sea.
The project was supported by Kelly Dawson, Front of House, Ashworth Grange; Natalie Marshall and Hannah Guite, Wellbeing Coordinators, The Oakes; Claire Wilson, Wellbeing Coordinator, Greenacres and Maria King, Regional Admissions Coordinator at HC-One.
Speaking about the activity, Maria King, Regional Admissions Coordinator at HC-One, said: “The residents love to do arts and crafts, and being asked to do this project to share with others has been very rewarding.”
The Christmas card exchange not only allowed residents to express their creativity, but also helped foster a sense of connection, community and seasonal joy, reminding everyone involved of the simple power of kindness at Christmas.