LOCAL housebuilder David Wilson Homes North East is continuing its support to the communities in which it builds by launching a Christmas initiative to help combat loneliness amongst Hexham’s elderly over the festive period.

The company teamed up with pupils from Hexham Middle School to write Christmas letters of well-wishes to the residents of Acomb Court Care Home. It comes after new research that 6.4 million people aged 70 and over are worried about the effect that Covid-19 is having on their lives.

The housebuilder furthered its support to the care home with a generous £1,000 donation as part of its Community Fund initiative, with the funds going towards outdoor Christmas decorations and improvements to facilities.

Louise Clayton-Hibbott, home administrator at Acomb Court Care Home, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has kept so many families apart this year and has had a huge effect on wellbeing. Loneliness is something that has affected so many of our residents, especially at this time of year when they haven’t been able to see their friends and families as often as they usually would.

“The residents all loved reading the letters from the children and we’re really grateful to David Wilson Homes for arranging this, it was definitely a much-needed morale boost! We’re also so grateful for the generous donation.”