Acts Of Kindness Strengthen Community Links

In this unsettling time of social distancing and lockdown, we have been overwhelmed by the way the local community has reached out to our residents with unwavering kindness and generosity.

Our cherished residents here at Cherry Wood Grange have received so many letters and gifts from local children and relatives alike during this unsettling time of social distancing and lockdown, to let them know that, even though they are apart, they are not alone. It brought so much joy to us all when we received incredible artwork by the school children at St Cedds School who usually visit and read to us, and we have spent hours writing heartfelt letters of thanks back to them.

As well as these artistic gifts, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of donations from local businesses who have surprised us with wonderful gifts for our residents to enjoy.

We were all particularly excited when a large delivery of flowers and plants arrived from B&Q. This became one of our fun Spring projects that kept our green-fingered residents and carers busy in the garden. So it was good timing when, having burned off lots of energy from our daily activities, a huge delivery of pizzas arrived from our local branch of Domino’s! Everybody tucked in and they were delicious.

It has been these gestures, from local friends and companies alike, that have truly touched us; the effort the local community has gone to, to stay connected and let our residents know they are still a much-loved part of this neighbourhood, has strengthened our community bond even tighter than ever.

And we were all overjoyed when our very own central office sent over treats for our carers and resident to enjoy; one day it was an ice cream van, the next it was a surprise batch of lollipops and snow cones. We were lucky enough to have our hair done, thanks to Rebecca and Amanda coming in on their days off to ensure we were looking and feeling our best. Such simple gestures to let us know we are, as ever, in everyone’s hearts and minds – they were greatly appreciated and went down a treat!