Healthcare Homes Group with homes in Swaffham and Mundford launches pen pal scheme

A care home group with homes at Swaffham and Mundford has launched a pen pal scheme asking people to send some cheer to its residents who are in self isolation.

The Healthcare Homes Group has eleven homes in Norfolk, providing care for residents with a range of needs. These include Meadow House in Swaffham and St Leonard's Court in Mundford.

Its homecare division, Manorcourt Care, also has five branches across the county, providing services to people in their own homes. Its Swaffham branch is at the Ecotech Business Park.

The group has stopped all visits to its homes, apart from medics, as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak to reduce risk of infection and to protect residents and staff. Many of its homecare clients are also self-isolating due to their age or medical conditions.

Now the group is asking people to consider writing to residents and clients to help bolster spirits and keep them in touch with the community.

A number of care homes have already started to receive colourful pictures and paintings and letters from local families who are sharing news about how they are living.

Anthony Beorby, operations director of the care homes, said: “Making the decision to prevent any visits to our homes was incredibly difficult for us.

"There’s no question that this has been the right thing to do – the safety and wellbeing of our residents is our overarching priority at all times, so we’re looking at creative ways of keeping our residents in touch with their communities. This is equally as important for our homecare clients, who may also be self-isolating.

“We know that letters and cards can bring real joy to people who are missing seeing their friends or loved ones. We’re already seeing some lovely new friendships being created by putting pen to paper. I would encourage anyone to consider writing to one of our homes or homecare branches.”

Janice King, operations director for Manorcourt Homecare, said: “Everyone particularly enjoys receiving letters from children who we know are also having to adjust during this period of social distancing. I’d like to thank anyone who has already made an effort to do this and has played a real part in the happiness of our homes and homecare clients.”

Letters can be sent to Meadow House, Norwich Road, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 8DD and to St Leonard’s Court, St Leonards Street, Mundford, Norfolk, IP26 5HG.

The address for Manorcourt Homecare branch is 35A Turbine Way, Ecotech Business Park, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7XD.

Letters should all be addressed to The Manager and they will arrange for post to be shared with everyone.

For more information, visit www.healthcarehomes.co.uk or www.manorcourtcare.co.uk.