AGE CONNECTS Morgannwg (ACM), a charity for older people, is calling on people far and wide to bring Christmas joy to those living in residential care by participating in its annual Christmas Card Appeal. For several years, ACM has invited people to send Christmas cards complete with heartfelt messages, which volunteers then distribute to residents in care homes across Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf. This simple gesture has been bringing genuine happiness to people and ensuring that everyone feels the warmth of the festive season.
Based in Aberdare, ACM has built close ties with residential care homes across South Wales, where they support residents through various activities. Throughout their work, the charity has seen first-hand how isolated life in residential care can be, especially for those without regular visitors. The Christmas Card Appeal was born from this realisation, thanks to the initiative of Rhodri Poacher, Companions Lead and a long-time ACM volunteer.
According to Dr. Lynda Shaw, a neuroscientist specialising in mental health and aging, receiving a Christmas card can be a powerful boost to mental well-being.
Dr Shaw said: “I firmly believe that receiving cards increases self-esteem, helps stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation, and even wards off the early stages of depression”
ACM’s 2023 Christmas Card Appeal was an astounding success. Launched on social media, the campaign reached over 100,000 people in the first 10 days, drawing support from schools, clubs, and community groups. The appeal went viral, attracting cards from across Wales, England, and even as far afield as Spain, Japan, and Singapore. By the campaign’s end on December 12th, ACM had collected over 2,300 cards in just five weeks – an overwhelming response that brought real joy to local care home residents.
Reflecting on the impact of the appeal, Helen Davies, ACM’s Volunteer Manager and campaign coordinator, said: “The success of our campaign in 2023 surpassed all expectations and led to real joy for hundreds of people living in local care homes.
“When our volunteers delivered the cards, they encountered real joy from residents and staff. We just hope we can deliver the same result this year.”
Rhodri added: “This appeal can benefit everyone, from children learning about the importance of compassion and friendship over the festive period to those more elderly who get to enjoy receiving the lovely cards created for them.
“The Christmas Card Appeal allows everyone to feel connected, help others and have fun doing it.”
Supporting ACM’s 2024 Christmas Card Appeal is simple: purchase a Christmas card, add a personal message, and send it to ACM’s Cynon Linc head office in Aberdare, or drop it off at one of their collection points in Aberdare, Merthyr, or Pontyclun. The campaign will close on December 13th.
For more information on how to get involved, please visit the Age Connects Morgannwg website.
