THE power of love is radiating throughout East Lothian thanks to Prestonpans’ Harlawhill Day Centre, writes Caitlin Johnston.

The centre has launched a campaign to combat loneliness by encouraging school children to create Valentine’s Day cards for their elderly members.

The centre is closed to clients due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, but staff are in regular contact with their members.

Fiona Mitchell, Harlawhill Day Centre manager, said that contact with local school children was a massive part of Harlawhill life before lockdown and this new project would strengthen its intergenerational work.

She added: “Before Christmas, we had the primary school write letters to all of our members: it was lovely and the response from our members was heart-warming; they felt really touched that somebody had written them a beautiful letter.

“It is a simple idea, but you would be amazed how much love it can bring to know somebody has made them something special and that we are all looking after each other. One wee act of kindness brings a lot because we are a beautiful community.”

Children across the county have been urged to send their cards to the East Loan centre to ensure that residents can hold a personalised card to make them feel valued this Valentine’s Day.

Any artwork should be submitted by Thursday (February 11) in time for Harlawhill staff to hand deliver cards to residents in East Lothian.

Months of lockdown have left many elderly residents feeling lonely and isolated, but spirits can be lifted with the help of the community.

Home-schooling parents are supporting the project, with the hope of making lockdown a little more bearable for everyone involved.

One Facebook user wrote: “This is a lovely idea.”

Another commented: “My two children would love to be involved; we are missing you guys.”

See facebook.com/HarlawhillDC