A NORTHWICH care home provider is launching a scheme to help its residents keep in contact with the outside world this Christmas.

Lostock Lodge, on Cheshire Business Park, is owned by Country Court, a national care home provider, with 33 properties around the UK.

One of the highlights of the Christmas festivities for many living in care homes are the wonderful visits they usually receive from local schools, nurseries, and community groups.

With the impact of the pandemic, Country Court have set up the ‘Christmas Message Exchange’ to help those in care homes send and receive messages with people locally.

Anyone can take part in the Christmas message exchange; all they need to do is either: Make a Christmas card or record a video message.

Messages and cards can be sent directly to their local Country Court Care Home or sent via WhatsApp to 07872 542369.

The video messages can be songs, music or a festive message for residents, with the idea that care home residents will then send cards and messages back to people who have sent messages to them.

“2020 has not been an easy year for older people, especially with not being able to see loved ones as much as they would like," explained Alykhan Kachra, co-CEO of County Court.

"This Christmas will not be the same celebration that our residents usually enjoy, but staff are already going above and beyond to make the festive season as special as possible.

"Country Court Care Homes would usually be filled with entertainers performing carol concerts, pantomimes, and sing-alongs.

"Children from local schools would be joining residents to sing carols and chat over cups of tea and mince pies, and families and local people would be enjoying Christmas Fairs and events."

This year Activity Teams are busy helping residents make decorations, wreaths, and cards. Catering teams are planning festive menus and resident choirs are practising their carols in a bid to ensure residents have the best Christmas possible.

However, retaining connections with their local community is vital for the health and wellbeing of residents and this year, more than ever, care home residents would love to exchange Christmas messages and festive wishes with local people.

To get involved or for more information please contact marketing@countrycourtcare.com.

When sending messages people should include their name, organisation (if relevant), contact details and the name of their nearest Country Court Care Home as residents would love to send a message or card back. Video messages can be sent via WhatsApp to 07872 542 369.