A Winter Wishes campaign where residents can send warm messages anonymously to isolated members of the community has been launched by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Winter Wishes cards are being provided to schools as well as independent shops in Edwinstowe, Southwell, Ollerton, and Newark ready for residents to pick up free. People are encouraged to then get crafty and write or draw something that could make someone’s day before posting them in dedicated post boxes across the district.

These dedicated post boxes are painted green and can be found in Southwell Library, Ollerton Library, Newark Buttermarket, and Edwinstowe Crafts Centre.

Posted cards will be reviewed by the council and sent to  community groups that tackle loneliness.  Some will also be distributed to those living in some of the council’s Housing with Care residential schemes.

Residents have from until Monday 18 December to post their cards in the dedicated post boxes.

Council leader Coun Paul Peacock said: “We know from our work within our communities that sadly there are some people who don’t have family or friends to join in winter festivities with.  While we do all we can to support all our communities, we know that there are others across the district who want to do more and Winter Wishes is a simple way they can do just that.  We wanted to do something that can bring a smile to someone who needs it most.

“Loneliness has a huge effect on mental and physical wellbeing and it is important that we connect our isolated residents with others in our communities who want to reach out. A positive message can go a long way and it all helps with making us feel more connected to our communities.

“Our independent stores have been great supporters of the campaign so please visit them to pick up the cards. They also need our support this festive season and you can help in supporting your local community by shopping locally and spending time in our high streets too.”

Jayne Clarke, manager of Flower Room, Edwinstowe, added: “This is a great campaign and we can’t wait to get invovled. We are hoping that this year residents choose to support their community and shop locally by visiting some of our amazing independent shops in our towns and villages.”

Community group The Shed in Collingham played a key part in the campaign creating the dedicated green post boxes placed in a number of towns. They run a community workshop in the village to combat loneliness by providing residents a space to learn woodwork skills and to speak to others.  They offer sessions including staining glass, wood turning and carving, craft work, carpentry and jewellery making.

Discover more about the Winter Wishes campaign at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/WinterWishes