Penpals bridging the age gap
A PENPAL project is connecting some of the youngest people in Stockport with some of the oldest, in an effort to bridge the gap between teenagers and the older generation.
Janet Coxon, 97, was one of the first people to receive a letter as part of the scheme, which came from a year seven pupil at Stockport School on Mile End Lane.
Janet served as a flight sergeant in the Women’s Royal Air Force during WW2. She moved to Bramhall in 1940 and in 1965 she settled in her current home in Great Moor.
Her son Ian attended Stockport School in the 1960s and 70s and said she was delighted to receive the letter.
The scheme is the result of a partnership between Home Instead Senior Care Stockport and Tameside and Stockport School – pupils have written letters to Home Instead clients, who then replied with the help of their caregivers.
Clare Cliff from Home Instead said: “To see the teens engaging with the elderly by writing letters has been fantastic and inspiring. Our clients have really enjoyed reading their letters.”
Matt Williamson from Stockport School added: “The boys involved in the penpal project have really enjoyed the process.
“They each wrote a thoughtful letter and shared insights about what it’s like being a teenager in this day and age.”