Search for elderly to be pen pals
Older people in Sunderland are being encouraged to join a new pen pals initiative as part of a campaign from a retirement housebuilder.
Whilst the art of letter writing might have taken a back seat to email, text message, WhatsApp and even FaceTime in recent years, the scheme hopes to revive it in order to tackle the issue of loneliness among the older generation, by helping retirees to form friendships from afar.
McCarthy and Stone, which creates retirement communities to enrich the quality of life for older people, will match individuals from across Sunderland based on their hobbies and interests, and pair them with someone else from around the country who is looking for companionship.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 60 and over who would like to be a pen pal to someone of a similar age, and who might be feeling lonely, or, think they could benefit from having a new companion.
The closing date to apply is Sunday, March 31 and applications can be made online at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/pen-pals/ , or request an application form by calling 0800 8100089.
Liz Green, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone North East, said: “We understand that for a lot of older people who may be experiencing loneliness, opening up and sharing how they’re feeling with loved ones can be difficult.
“They do not want to be seen as a burden. There are also some members of the Sunderland community who can’t get and out about easily to meet new people, to visit family, and it is often these people who can feel the most alone.”