(L-R) Mrs Gillian McLarnon, teacher, Camphill Primary School, Vasco Alves, Camphill Care Home Manager, Sabrina Lynn Northern Health and Social Care Trust join Staff and Residents of Camphill Care Home and pupils of Camphill Primary School to launch the Kindness Postbox partnership between the Care Home and the Primary School.
The Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network has launched a new partnership aimed at combating loneliness and isolation among residents of local care homes.
In collaboration with Camphill Primary School and Camphill Care Home, the ‘Kindness Postbox’ partnership is designed to deliver small but meaningful acts of joy to those who need it most in the community.
The ‘Kindness Postbox’ project began in Enniskillen as a response to the isolation caused by the pandemic.
With local care home residents facing strict lockdowns, the initiative sought to brighten their days by encouraging members of the community, especially children, to send uplifting messages through a ‘Kindness Postbox’.
This thoughtful exchange of letters, drawings, poems and cards has since evolved into a much-needed social bridge for residents and families alike.
Alderman Beth Adger MBE, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, emphasised the initiative’s power in spreading cheer and building connections within the community.
“This is a project to give residents of local care homes something to smile about,” she said.
“We encourage children, parents or anyone to write a cheerful letter, draw a picture, or find an uplifting card or postcard - and post it into our Kindness Postbox.
“The mail will be collected and distributed to older people in our care homes.
“The project will be beneficial to both schools and care homes alike and has the potential to be replicated in other towns.”
The project encourages children to get creative by writing letters or drawing pictures to share with residents of local care homes.
Once received, the letters and cards are carefully distributed to residents, brightening their day.
Marjorie Hawkins, Chairperson of the Loneliness Network, said the initiative holds a special significance for the younger generation.
“The Kindness Postboxes are an incredible way to let local people share a little kindness with each other,” she said.
“Allowing our children to think about care home residents in their community and write to them reminds them they are not forgotten, and someone is thinking about them.
“Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network is committed to reducing loneliness and social isolation in our Borough and getting the message across that help is available and you are never alone.
“The ‘Kindness Postbox’ scheme is just one way of many projects aiming to do just that.”
The Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, which launched in 2019, raises awareness about social isolation and coordinates action to address it.
The network brings together key organisations, including Council, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, as well as voluntary and community groups.
The ‘Kindness Postbox’ initiative is open to everyone. Individuals can contribute by writing a letter, drawing a picture, or sending an uplifting card. All submissions will be collected and distributed to care home residents, offering them much-needed moments of connection.
For more information on the Kindness Postbox initiative in Mid and East Antrim, please contact Alison Kane, DEA Officer for Carrick Castle, by emailing: