It’s the little things…..

Send a positive message to our residents and staff at our services at this time of isolation.

In March 2020 due to Coronavirus outbreak, we had to take the very difficult decision to close our care homes to non essential visitors as well as closing our day care services.

This meant that the our care home residents started missing their usual interaction with their loved ones or relatives, local community, school children as well as our lovely volunteers who cheered them up every day. This is also the same for our befriending and day care service users who live alone in their own homes.

‘It’s the little things …’ will help to share positive messages with our residents, care home staff, home care and day care centre teams and volunteers to connect them with their families, friends and local communities while they’re missing each other.

It’s the little things that make a big difference.

We’d like you to share a positive message of kindness or perhaps a picture from your family that will let your relatives and our staff on the front line know just how much you care.

You and your loved ones can express your little things that matter about each other; whether to share your happy moments, love, appreciation and gratitude – or simply to show how much we value each other and are looking forward to spending time together again.

Below there is downloadable pdf of a blank message page where you can write your little things that matter and a #MessageofSupport.

Perhaps your family could draw a special picture or a message that will make them smile!

There is a pack below which you can download to share with your friends and family.

Once you are happy with your ‘It’s the little things …’ message send it to us via email to messageofsupport@fote.org.uk.

We will share it with our care homes, our residents, and staff to share positivity and to look to the future.

Download and Write your message Download and Share this pack with your friends

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Here is a poem I often read in dark times, I hope you will find it appropriate and comforting.
If you have the chance to look out of your window and perchance see a bird, I hope you will find joy.

Even in these times when we cannot go out and see these sights, we can travel there in our memories, and be reminded of all the joy and peace that this world holds for us. Stay well ❤

“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
– Poem by Wendell Berry

With love, Charlotte

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly

I just wanted to send a little message to say that I am thinking of you all, and hope that you are all coping as best you can in these difficult times.
Here is my dog Archie – I hope that he brightens your day like he brightens mine! His favourite toy is a big long blue snake that is made of balls- he has brought it especially to show you!

– Lizzie

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly

Thank you, carers. I know it is difficult to go to work right now, especially when supplies are so low. You are now the backbone of our civilization, and I thank you for it.

– SM, from USA

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly

Congratulations to all our NHS front line warriors battling the virus to protect and save the lives of our residents in this time of need !

Long live our medical doctors and all the supporting team around the world. Stay safe.

– Manoj

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly

A quick message from us all here (including Bertie, the dog) to say we are thinking of you!

We are currently self-isolating at home and are doing all we can to stay preoccupied. We’ve started to appreciate the small things – from drinking a hot cup of coffee, to walking around the garden and listening to the birds. We hope you enjoy the picture of our Bertie (our one year old pup) and remember that we are thinking of you all!

Best wishes,
The Hawkes Family

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly

Don’t count the days to when this is all over. Make the days count. Positive thoughts joined with positive actions. Sing, dance, listen to music.

– Robyn, from New Zealand

#MessageofSupport
@FriendsElderly