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Dear Christmas Friend 2024

Spread a little festive cheer

Published on 01 November 2024 09:37 AM

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.