Banbury school students team up with local care home residents for pen pal initiative

An intergenerational pen pal initiative began when Care UK’s Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, received letters from year 3 pupils at Carrdus School.

The letters were sent earlier this year as care homes started to go into lockdown, and shared with residents during a reading aloud session at the home. The pupils’ words gave residents the opportunity to reminisce about their own school years, families and childhoods as they wrote back.

With pupils now back at school, residents and pupils are planning to resume their pen pal scheme. Some of the letters are set to be included in a time capsule created by the residents at Highmarket House, which will be buried in the home’s garden once restrictions are lifted.

Resident at Highmarket House, Janet Wood, said: “I joined the Girl Guides at 11 and then went on to be Girl Guide Leader, having a short break to have my children, then returning as commissioner of a new district up until retirement. I have always loved children and was overjoyed to receive written letters. Writing letter seems to be a lost art and they have made me very happy – I particularly loved the photo of the girls opening my letters.”

Jo Pohl, home manager at Highmarket House, said: “The letters arrived out of the blue, but were a most welcome surprise for residents, especially during uncertain times.

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be enriching for both sides, as they provide an opportunity for children and residents to learn from each other.

"The letters have been a real conversation starter too. We loved hearing about residents’ school years, childhood homes and families growing up. This is no doubt that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our home and pupils at Carrdus School, so we look forward to receiving more letters.”