Children are being invited to send letters to care home residents who are facing long periods without visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Restrictions have been put in place at residential homes across the county due to fears of spreading Covid-19 to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

But with relatives sadly being asked to stay away, bosses are now asking children - many of whom will be off school after today - to send notes to the residents in a bid to cheer them up.

Saltwood Care Centre, and its sister homes Hythe View and Balgowan House, all in Hythe, are asking for such letters.

Saltwood manager Naomi Dickson said: "We look after a very vulnerable group, and we're having to heavily restrict visits.

"We are encouraging relatives therefore to write to residents instead. This is very familiar to our residents as letters were a very common way to communicate in days gone past.

"But we thought it would also be nice for school children at home with nothing to do to also write in.

"It could give children something to focus on.

"This could be a letter telling our residents what they've been up to, where they live, or a cheerful or funny story.

"Or it could be a postcard or drawing. Whatever comes to their pencil.

"A simple thing could make such a difference to our residents.

"For some of our residents with dementia, they could pick up the letter several times and it will feel new to them.

"Thank you to everyone that has contacted us so far."

Creedy House in Littlestone, on Romney Marsh, is also calling for letters for its residents.

Manager Nesta Hollyer said: "We're on lockdown to protect our residents. It can be very hard for loved ones who usually visit and are now missing their relatives.

"And it will be hard for our residents. We've got couples who have been together 70 years who are now separated.

"A letter could brighten their day and lift the mood. It could even be a painting or drawing."

Addresses for letters are:

Saltwood Care Centre, Tanners Hill, Hythe, CT21 5UQ

Hythe View, 91 North Road, Hythe, CT21 5ET

Balgowan House, 46 Bartholomew Lane, Hythe, CT21 4BX

Creedy House, Nether Avenue, Littlestone, New Romney, TN28 8NB

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