Despite COVID-19 restrictions easing, many of us continue to feel the psychological effects of isolation – particularly those who have been cut off from their community
Around the Hunter, there are thousands of people over 70 who are self-isolating to look after their health.
So, in an attempt to stay connected with the most vulnerable, NovaCare is asking the wider community to get creative with a wonderful initiative called Wall Heart.
Created by Aged Care Wellbeing Consultant, Alexandra Morse, Wall Heart is a fun, heart-warming way to help fill the lives of older people with love and colour through hand-drawn pictures.
For all the grandparents and other elders out there, they are asking the community to help make this happen.
NovaCare CEO, Joseph McCarthy, said by getting involved in the Wall Heart initiative you could make a real difference in the lives of people who have been affected most by their time in isolation.
“You’ll really brighten someone’s day,” Joseph said.
“You can send them to your grandparents, put them in your older neighbour’s letter box or mail them to us. We have over 1,500 older people who are part of our NovaFamily and we will happily distribute your drawings to them.”
Beautiful Wall Heart pictures are already being delivered around the community, thanks to individuals and groups.
Schools, OOSH groups and pre-schools like KU Childrens’ Services, Bishop Tyrell College, Tillys Play and Development and more have jumped on board.
“From an older person’s perspective, the benefits are huge. Being socially connected strengthens the immune system, lowers anxiety and depression and builds trust,” he said.
“It’s the simple things that can make a big difference, like a drawing to put on the fridge.”
Over the last few months, the Hunter community has shown that innovation is only restricted by our imagination.
People are open to connecting with each other in ways they had never imagined and most importantly connecting with groups that they would not normally think about. We are social creatures, being older doesn’t change that.
NovaCare are asking those interested in participating to send their original drawings to: Wall Heart, PO Box 240, Carrington NSW 2294.
IMAGE | One of the many young participants getting involved in the Wall Heart Project.
