Helping the elderly stay connected

Postcard mailout to “keep people smiling”

In partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service, Specsavers has sent more than 85,000 postcards to existing Specsavers home visit patients to help them stay connected.

New research from Age UK shows that two million elderly people expect to feel lonely during Christmas, so the aim of the postcard initiative was “to give people something to smile about”, said the company.

The card front was designed by Lois and Romy Hopkins, eight-year-old twins from Chesterfield in Derbyshire who entered a Specsavers Facebook competition.

Romy said: “I had great fun designing the card with my sister. It’s so exciting to know that it’s being sent out to people who may not have been able to see their families and friends as much this year.”

“We can’t wait to see our postcard come to life,” added Lois. “We’re so pleased we can help spread a few smiles.”

Sam Ward, director of services and deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: ”At-home consultations are set to be the norm for the near future, so services like this are essential. With older people likely to feel more isolated than ever as winter sets in, it’s vital that we do all that we can to help them feel connected.”

Lois and Romy Hopkins

The card includes contact details for Royal Voluntary Service, as well as a reminder that Specsavers home-visiting opticians are available as usual even under the current restrictions.

Mel Roberts, director of Specsavers Home Visits, commented: ‘During the first lockdown when we were unable to operate as usual, we made a point of calling as many of our housebound customers as possible and so are very aware of just how isolating the pandemic is for some people. These postcards are a small way of connecting with our elderly customers and letting them know that support is out there. It’s so heart-warming to hear that someone has kept the card next to their phone, or it’s on the mantelpiece and they say that they smile whenever they look at it.”