OLDER people in Bromsgrove are being urged to join a new pen pals project which encourages people to take one step to put an end to loneliness, writes Demi Andrews.
The project hopes to revive the art of letter writing in order to help retirees form friendships from afar.
Pen pals will be matched based on their hobbies and interests and paired with someone else from around the country who is looking for companionship.
The project is part of a campaign from retirement house builder, McCarthy and Stone, and is open to anyone aged 60 or over who would like to be a pen pal, who might be feeling lonely, or would like a new companion.
Clare Bright, McCarthy and Stone West Midlands’ regional sales and marketing director, said: “The aim of the pen pal scheme is to give over 60s the opportunity to strike up new friendships and have someone they feel they can write to when they need.”
Two individuals who were part of an earlier pilot study are Leslie Harpin, 87, and Clifford Hughes, 89.
Leslie Harpin said: “Clifford and I have had a great start, and I look forward to getting to know him more.”
The closing date for applications is March 31.
Visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/pen-pals or call McCarthy and Stone on 0800 8100089 for more information and an application form.
