Pupils send letters to make 'positive difference' to isolating neighbours

In March, more than 650 pupils at Fairfield Infant and Colneis Junior schools, which are part of the same federation, either wrote a letter or created a piece of art to mail to residents of the town.

Children at Colneis Junior School in Felixstowe pen their letters (Image: Archant)

The scheme, which has been supported by volunteer group Felixstowe Helping Hands, has seen more than 200 replies received by the youngsters.

Executive headteacher of the schools, Mark Girling, said the pupils were thrilled with the letters that were sent back to the schools.

Some pupils included artwork in their letters (Image: Archant)

One letter received from a resident read: "I have your card standing where I can see it all the time. It is a very nice idea for the school to let you do it as it cheers people up especially people who live on their own like me."

Felixstowe children have enjoyed writing letters to people in the town (Image: Archant)

Another said: "I’m 83 years old and live alone. I had a bad fall and am unable to get outside and have no visitors. Thank you very much for your lovely poem, it really cheered me up."

The success of the project has led the students to start sending out their second letters as Covid lockdown measures begin to ease.

Children at Fairfield Infant School have been busy writing letters to isolated members of the community, Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Mr Girling said: "When first initiating this project, one of our main aims was to model what compassion for others looks like in a practical way.

Felixstowe residents have been cheered up with the letters from the pupils (Image: Archant)

"Once we had explained to the children that they could make a positive difference to the people in their community by writing to them or drawing a picture, they were completely on board.

The children have enjoyed reading the letters they have received back (Image: Archant)

"Although there was no expectation for the recipients to write back, we have received an overwhelming number of replies which the children have loved sharing with the rest of their class."

Felixstowe residents have been cheered up with the letters from the pupils (Image: Archant)

Darren Aitchison, town councillor and member of Felixstowe Helping Hands, added: "It’s great that so many people took the time to reply.

The initiative started in March, as children returned to classrooms (Image: Archant)

"This project is a really positive example of different groups combining ideas for the good of the community. We are proud to be part of this and look forward to being involved in future events and projects."

Both schools took part in the project (Image: Archant)