Young people across Gwent have been writing letters and messages of support to hospital patients and care home residents who are unable to see loved ones due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Members of Gwent Police Cadets and the Heddlu Bach Mini Police are working with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to reach out to as many people as possible.
So far, 18 care homes in Gwent have received letters.
Before Covid-19 forced the UK into lockdown, members of the cadets and Heddlu Bach had been working with the health board to visit dementia patients. But because they were unable to continue with the visits, they decided to start writing letters instead.
Heddlu Bach member Alexys Baxter, from Bryn Awel Primary School in Rhymney, said: “It is sad that so many people can’t see their friends and family but we hope that our letters can give them a smile.
“Hopefully when this is over we will be able to visit some of the people who received our letters and talk to them about what we do in the Heddlu Bach.”
Gwent Police chief constable Pam Kelly said: “I am incredibly proud of the work our cadets and Heddlu Bach are doing to support some of the most vulnerable residents in our community.
“They are helping to brighten the day of those who are isolated from their friends and family, and stand as a reminder that we will all come out of this stronger if we work together.”
Police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “This is fantastic to see. The Gwent Police Cadets and Heddlu Bach are a great example to us all and I have no doubt that their letters will make the day for many vulnerable patients.”
The Heddlu Bach scheme was launched in Gwent in 2017 for children aged between nine and 11.
Anyone interested in receiving letters from the cadets or the Heddlu Bach can contact cadets@gwent.pnn.police.uk.
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