Link Academy Pen Pals Strike Up Meaningful Friendships with Netherton Green Residents 

Kind-hearted pupils from the Link Academy in Dudley have been sending messages of hope to Residents at Netherton Green Nursing Home.

Ever since the lockdown began, the school kids have been keeping in touch to let Residents know they are thinking of them.

As well as sending cards, the pupils paid a socially distanced visit to chat to Residents from outside the windows and find out how they were doing.

Activities Co-ordinator Karen Winmill said that the school sent a fantastic hamper at Christmas for all the Residents to enjoy.

Karen said: “We’ve had terrific support from the teachers and pupils of the Link Academy.

“Intergenerational friendships are lovely, and we feel as though we’re building bonds with the school.

“When the children came to the garden to chat to Residents last summer, they were being filmed for a Channel 4 documentary called ‘Growing Up Through COVID’. 

“They were great at asking lots of questions and chatting about their lives.

“They wanted to know how Residents were coping, what it’s been like to be apart from their families and what they did for work before they retired.

“It’ll be great to finally invite them in for a visit once the restrictions are lifted, and it’s safe for them to do so.”