A not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life is helping residents overcome social isolation and form new relationships through its pen pal scheme.

June Bond, 75, who lives at Anchor’s Brownlow Court housing location in Horwich, is among 91 residents now involved in the scheme launched in 2021. 

She has been writing to fellow Anchor resident Elizabeth Trott, 90, for the past 12 months, who lives at Anchor’s Hanover Court housing location in Sudbury.

Despite living hundreds of miles apart, the two women have described how comforting it is to have another person to talk with.  

June said: “I think it is very good for your wellbeing. The Pen Pal scheme is absolutely brilliant!" 

Read more top stories here:

Elizabeth added: “You just have to give it a go. I am very lucky to have my daughter living close by and have recently been made a great grandmother, but I think once you become isolated, it can be hard to come out of that dark space so having a Pen Pal and sharing your life with someone else who may be feeling the same is really important." 

Anchor launched its Pen Pal scheme in June 2021 as part of the campaign to combat loneliness and reduce social isolation.  

The initiative was introduced to support those residents who do not have access to a digital device or prefer the nostalgia of writing letters, but all are welcome to take part.

There are also opportunities to be paired with residents who wish to call or email instead of writing. 

To read more about Anchor’s efforts to support and encourage residents to connect and engage with others, go to: https://www.anchor.org.uk/existing-residents/be-well-resident-wellbeing-services/be-connected

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.