PUPILS from a secondary school are sending letters to residents at nursing homes to help combat loneliness.

Children from Tudor Grange Academy Worcester have been writing letters to several care homes while residents are in self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, the children have sent letters to Worcester care homes Perry Manor, St Stephens, Shrubbery Nursing Home, Fernhill House and Waterside in Dudley.

Jenna Butler, deputy headteacher at the school in Bilford Road, said: “We have a number of children who are still attending school as their parents are key workers.

“The children wanted to find a way to make a positive contribution to the local community so they have spent the day writing letters which will be sent out to local nursing homes.”

Mrs Butler added: “It has been hard for the children spending time in school whilst their friends are at home with their families, but they recognise that it must be far more difficult to be in a nursing home on lockdown separated from their loved ones.

“The children have felt the impact of being isolated from their friends and wanted to reach out to members of the community who may feel cut off from the rest of the world.”

The project was inspired by Laura Price, aged 98, who lives at Waterside and is a relative of one of the students.

She said: “Thank you for your letter I am glad you’re are all keeping well and hope you and your friends can get back to normal soon.”

Tudor Grange Academy and Perdiswell Primary School have worked together to collate a range of letters and pictures and would welcome requests from other nursing/care homes as the children want to turn a difficult time into something that brightens up the local community.

Are you doing anything to support the vulnerable in your community? Email your ideas to grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk