Help spread some small moments of joy to elderly citizens

Help ECU spread some small moments of joy to elderly citizens.

With limitations placed on visitors to aged-care centres, many residents are missing the social interaction provided by friends, family and volunteers. Outside visits can brighten the day of many residents and are something many look forward to.

We’ve partnered up with some inspiring aged-care providers to find ways to bring social interaction to their residents while in isolation. It’s the perfect, no-contact way to spread some warmth and give back.

Giving back old-school style

ECU has partnered with the Bethanie Care Group, Western Australia’s largest not-for-profit aged care and retirement village provider, to bring you the Senior Pen-Pal program. We are looking for volunteers eager to spread some cheer through the community by becoming a pen pal for a Bethanie Care resident. You can help by taking a few moments out of your day to write a letter to an elderly resident.

Make your letter reciprocal – share details about your life but make sure to also ask your pen pal about themselves.

You could share stories about your current studies, your pets, your siblings and your hobbies. Tell them how you are making the most of your time in isolation. Include drawings from your kids. Most importantly make sure you sign the end of your letter with your name to keep it personal.

You can either hand-write a letter and send us a photo or scan, or simply email us a letter, as well as any drawings and attachments to careers@ecu.edu.au and out Volunteer team will do the rest. Your letters will be received by residents across Bethanie Care aged facilities throughout Western Australia.

Learn more about the Bethanie Group Senior Pen-Pal Program here.