Forging Friendships Through Reviving The Art of Letter Writing

In a world where email and social media have practically wiped-out the art of letter writing, a new care home initiative will create networks of friends from across different homes, and bring to the fore the social and health benefits from putting pen to paper. The Pen Friend Club launches in Orchard Care Homes this month, with the aim of matching kindred spirits from across the group’s 80+ homes. The club is being promoted throughout the homes, with a focus on creating companionships, making new friends, reducing loneliness and engaging the mind. Tracey Tomlinson, Director of Customer Experience, Orchard Care Homes, says “We have so many vibrant and interesting characters within our homes, who have written and received letters their whole lives. Our residents get such joy from receiving mail, and from sharing ideas and interests, that the new initiative will give them the spur they need to get going, and the framework through which to meet likeminded people.” Residents will apply to take part with the support and assistance of staff in the home. The company’s head office will match residents with each other and provide writing kits to the batch of eager writers.