A virtual Christmas carol service to melt your heart - from Hartlepool schoolchildren to all of the town's 12,000-plus carers

The pandemic may have put a halt to people attending live Nativities and carol services.

But a specially prepared virtual performance has been prepared for Hartlepool’s 12,000 registered carers.

Pupils at Sacred Heart Primary School in Hart Lane recorded the service which has been sent to people who have been looking after relatives.

At least 10,000 adults and 2,000 children – as young as five – in the town could be caring for relatives while they remain indoors under Government restrictions. Officials think the figures could be much higher.

But a stirring Christmas message has been sent to them by the Sacred Heart pupils in true Christmas spirit.

More than 19 minutes of heartwarming performance has been prepared and head teacher Mrs Howell said: “Covid has meant that many things this year have had to be cancelled but our school prides itself on its musical talents and even though we were unable to lead a normal carol service, we weren’t going to let Covid stop it entirely.

“We were approached by Hartlepool Carers to see if we would be happy to link up and produce a carol service that could to be sent out to families across the town, to spread some hope in these challenging times.

"Our music teacher, Alyson Robinson, came up with this ingenious way of still hosting a carol service – virtually.

“The children have showcased their talents and I am very proud of each and every one of them. Hopefully next year we will be able to lead it again but to a live audience.”

Music teacher Alyson Robinson said: “We wanted to try to give the children the opportunity to perform at Christmas but as we can’t sing at the moment we decided it would be a nice idea to teach the children to sign the songs instead. They have really enjoyed learning them and had a great time performing them in our virtual concert.”

Christine Fewster, chief executive of Hartlepool Carers, said: “This year has been particularly hard for so many families.

"We really wanted to spread some joy and hope this Christmas to our local community who have suffered over the last 10 months, families who are isolated, have lost loved ones, lost employment. We are delighted to be able to showcase such a wonderful virtual service from the fantastic children at Sacred Heart School.”

Hartlepool Carers has stepped in with numerous projects since Covid-19 first hit in the UK.

Others have included;

l Free boxes of food which only registered carers can apply for.

l The Talking Tuesdays project which helps people with advice on how to keep safe, making the most of your finances and cancer awareness.

l The ‘Carers Cycle and Connect project where people can loan bikes.

l Support for families in Hartlepool who are in isolation or finding it difficult to get their shopping in.

For more information on the services provided by Hartlepool Carers, call (01429) 283095.

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