Hartwell Lodge is thrilled to be part of Age UK’s Postcards of Kindness initiative, a simple but powerful idea that asks people across the country to write and send postcards to older people living in care homes — just a message, a memory, a cheerful greeting — with the aim of brightening someone’s day.

Each card is like a little ray of sunshine. The residents here at Hartwell Lodge have been lighting up with joy whenever a postcard arrives. The messages spark conversation, bring back memories, and remind everyone that kindness — even from strangers — matters.

“We absolutely adore these postcards,” says Home Manager Jennifer Daly. “It’s such a small thing on the surface, but it makes a huge difference. Residents read them aloud, share stories about places they’ve been, people they’ve known, and it brings a real warmth into the room.”

Age UK describes the initiative as one that “asks people to write and send postcards to residents of care homes … a small gesture, but the resulting deliveries bring a great deal of joy and spark lively conversations among the older people who receive them.” Age UK

Hartwell Lodge has already received a lovely collection of postcards. They are being displayed in communal areas for all to enjoy, and many residents are holding onto favourites to reread again and again.

How to get involved
We’re inviting members of the local community (families, schools, neighbourhoods) to join in. If you fancy writing a postcard to someone at Hartwell Lodge, here are a few ideas:
A cheerful greeting or a story of something you love
A picture, sketch, or colour to make the card bright
Share something local — a view, a favourite place, a recent event
Send your postcards to:
Hartwell Lodge Care Home
30 Kiln Road, Fareham, Hants PO16 7UB