ONE year on from the launch of a pen pal project between two north-east care homes, residents are continuing to enjoy exchanging handmade cards, with new friendships now blossoming.
The card exchange began in late 2024, when residents at Deveron Way in Huntly and Wakefield House in Cullen swapped festive Christmas cards, followed by Burns Night greetings and friendship cards.
Now, a year on, residents are still sending and receiving cards – this time, in celebration of Valentine’s Day with specially hand-crafted friendship cards.
As well as exchanging cards, residents from both homes have started going on outings together, helping to turn the connections they’ve made through the project into real friendships.
Kirsty Jones, manager at Deveron Way, said: “Most of us have probably forgotten the thrill of receiving a handwritten letter or card in this age of instant messaging, so it’s been a real joy to see the happiness it brings to our residents.
“What started as a simple card exchange has grown into something much more meaningful, with residents enjoying taking time to write to one another, and meeting up in person has added another dimension to those friendships.”
Jamie Grassick, manager at Wakefield House, added: “The project has been really well received by our residents who look forward to receiving their cards. It’s been lovely to see genuine friendships being formed over the past year.”
Pictured is Deveron Way resident Anne Cheyne.