Dear Christmas Friend

Dear Christmas Friend 2024

We’re so pleased to be able to bring back this lovely opportunity to add a little cheer to the life of an older person spending Christmas in their care home or in hospital. It’s a wonderful way of letting people know they haven’t been forgotten.

There are some very simple rules to follow so everyone can enjoy the experience.

Do:

• Get the younger generation involved. If you have children or grandchildren, encourage them to make a card, write a letter or do some drawing
• If writing a letter, share general information about yourself, such as your job, hobbies, seasonal anecdotes, Christmas traditions or your favourite things about winter
• If sending a card, remember that not everybody is religious or of the same religion, so choose or draw designs that are suitable for everyone
• Offer some reminiscence opportunities. You could mention favourite places or childhood memories, for example
• Postcards with pictures of gardens, animals, pets, art works, or coastal views can all help to stimulate conversations and memories
• Ask questions to encourage the patient to think about their own lives, for example, ‘Christmas Pudding is my favourite part of the meal. What’s your favourite?’
• Sign your card or letter with your first name only

Don't:

• Don’t stick anything onto your card. Glitter, sequins, twigs and cotton wool might fall off and make a patient uncomfortable or create extra work for the cleaning staff. Letters, paints, felt-tips, wax crayons or pencils only, please
• Don’t add any details that will identify you specifically such as your address, date of birth or age
• Don’t be political or share conspiracy theories
• We have so many different venues for you to choose from and we recommend sending your card, letter or drawing (maybe all 3!) from late November onwards. 

Where to send:

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Kerry

Acer Court Care Home

172 Nottingham Road

Nuthall

Nottingham

NG8 6AX

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Hayley Wood

Alder House Care Home

Avery Place

172 Nottingham Road

NG8 6AX

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Racheal

West Lodge Care Home

238 Hucknall Road

NG5 1FB

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Bernice

Wollaton Park Care Home

2A Lambourne Drive

NG8 1GR

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Charlotte

Acorn House Care Home

1 Oak Street

Nottingham

NG5 2AT

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

C/O Tracey Cook Deputy Manager

Highfields Nursing Home

330 Highbury Road

Bulwell Nottingham

NG6 9AF

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

c/o Anna Ellerton

Lings Bar Hospital

Beckside

Gamston

Nottingham

NG2 6PR

Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts

c/o Louise Page

Modern Matron

Mental Health Services for Older People

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Blossomwood

Sutton in Ashfield

Nottinghamshire

NG17 7JT

Your cards and messages really will make a difference to somebodys life this festive season.