Acts Of Kindness Strengthen Community Links

In this unsettling time of social distancing and lockdown, we have been overwhelmed by the way the local community has reached out to our residents with unwavering kindness and generosity.

Our cherished residents here at Brooklands have received so many letters and gifts from local children and relatives alike to let them know that, even though they are apart, they are not alone. This touching gesture has meant a great deal to our residents who have loved reading these messages and spent hours making thank you cards in return. You can see them all on our ‘Wall of Kindness’ display in our main lounge.

We were also over the moon when we each received a beautiful handmade felt heart from Tracy, whose dear mother Shirley is a resident. How these acts of kindness have lifted our spirits during this challenging time.

As well as these artistic gifts, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donations from local friends and businesses who surprised us with many wonderful gifts for our residents to enjoy. With many life-long Canaries fans at Brooklands, we were slightly starstruck to receive a Norwich City FC football shirt, signed by some of the First Team players, thanking us for our hard work. To our delight, it was delivered along with a delicious chocolate cake and a personal note from Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones, (both shareholders of the club).

Jo, our gardener, was particularly excited when a big delivery of colourful bedding plants and strawberry plants arrived. Our green-fingered residents have loved tending to them, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labours – delicious summer strawberries! Thank you too, to Tesco who donated beautiful Spring blooms to brighten everyone’s room.

It has been these gestures, from local friends and companies alike that have truly touched us; the effort the community has gone to, to stay connected and let our residents know they are still a much-loved part of this neighbourhood, has strengthened our bond even tighter than ever.