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Widower 'choked up' as children deliver Christmas cards to combat loneliness

Olivia GristBBC Wales
About 17,000 people over 65 in Wales will not have anyone to exchange cards or presents with this Christmas

A widower said he was "choked up" to receive one of thousands of handmade Christmas cards sent by schoolchildren to residents of local care homes as part of efforts to tackle loneliness.

Peter, 82, a resident at Cwmaman Care Home in Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, lost his wife a few years ago and said "this time of year always brings it back and can feel lonely".

"So seeing the children and receiving a card really helps," he said.

The festive deliveries are part of a scheme started by the charity Age Connects Morgannwg in 2022, with cards sent to care homes in Rhondda Cynon Taf, as well as Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil.

News imageThe image shows a group of children standing together in a classroom, holding handmade holiday cards. The classroom is decorated with festive elements, including greenery and hanging papers on the walls. Some children are wearing colorful sweaters with seasonal designs, such as snowflakes and characters. The cards they are holding feature various Christmas-themed decorations like snowmen, trees, and ornaments. In the background, there are posters and handwritten notes displayed on the wall, adding to the classroom setting.
Caradog Primary School is one 15 schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf delivering cards to local care homes

About 17,000 people over 65 in Wales will not have anyone to exchange cards or presents with this Christmas, according to Age Cymru.

Seren, nine, a pupil at Caradog Primary School in Aberdare - one of 15 schools taking part this year - said it made her "really sad" that not everyone had someone to exchange Christmas cards with.

"I feel like everyone should have a card so they can be happy on Christmas Day - I hope it will keep a smile on the face of the person who receives my card," she said.

News imageThe image shows Seren standing indoors, holding a handmade Christmas card. The card is green with a decorated Christmas tree design in the center, topped with a red bow. The child is wearing a bright red sweater with two white ribbon bows on the front. Behind them, the background includes educational posters with handwritten notes and diagrams, a decorative tree with yellow lights or flowers, and a wooden-themed wall display. There are also books and classroom materials visible, suggesting this is a festive activity in a school setting.
Seren delivered handmade cards to a local care home and read them out to the residents

Last year more than 5,100 cards were delivered to care homes in Rhondda Cynon Taf - more than five times the total three years ago - and this year 5,700 cards have been sent.

"It's amazing we're able to do this," said Rhodri Poacher, who organises the initiative, adding that for some residents the cards are "the only thing they'll receive this Christmas".

He believes elderly people are sometimes forgotten at this time of year, but said the card scheme has revealed a real "community spirit".

"So many people want to get involved to make sure that these people know that we're thinking of them and we want them to have a very happy Christmas."

Marlene, 84, who was among the care home residents to receive cards from the Caradog Primary School pupils she met, said the experience made her "really happy".

News imageThe image shows Peter sitting in a cushioned armchair, holding an open greeting card. The card features a red postbox with snow on top. Peter is wearing a bright red shirt with a festive design and has a red headband decorated with two small gingerbread men. In the background, there is a decorated Christmas tree adorned with silver and white baubles. To the left, there is a dark blue cabinet with small decorative wooden houses placed on top, adding to the cozy holiday setting.
Peter said he often thinks of his late wife during the festive season

Peter, 82, who lost his wife a few years ago, said he was "very pleased" and "a bit choked up" when the children delivered the cards.

Joshua, 10, who joined his classmates at the care home to give out cards, said the initiative was an important one.

"Some people can feel really lonely at this time of year so it's important that they know at least one person is still out there thinking of them," he said.

Gareth Williams, who manages the care home, said the cards will be put up in residents' rooms and posted around the home for residents not well enough to meet the children.

He added that the children's festive visit will "be talked about for weeks".

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