Central Coast and Newcastle schoolchildren are bringing Christmas joy to seniors this month as part of an intergenerational program designed to remedy festive isolation.
Home Instead is taking its Be A Santa To A Senior campaign across Australia – much like the man in the red suit does with his sleigh on Christmas eve – with Central Coast and Newcastle 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 2700 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 hand delivering the cards to seniors at lunches in Woy Woy and Tuggerah.
This year, nearly 18,000 cards will be distributed to seniors around the country at special Christmas events, retirement villages, community centres and Home Instead client Christmas parties featuring school choir performances and wreath-making sessions.
Home Instead Acting Chief Operating Officer Amanda Spencer said it was heartwarming to see the interactions between seniors and school children through the Be A Santa To A Senior 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.
“And having school students pen heartfelt messages in the cards helps promote intergenerational engagement, putting smiles on the faces of young and old.”
Home Instead is again teaming up with Meals on Wheels™ Australia to help deliver the cards to seniors around the country, including at some of the charity’s Christmas lunches.
“Our network of Meals on Wheels™ services will ensure these personalised Christmas cards reach isolated people right around the nation,” said Paul Sadler, Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of this program, which facilitates intergenerational contact that is immensely rewarding for both seniors and children.”