Pen Pal Volunteer (Supporter) - Walton on the Naze

Helping us to combat loneliness and isolation, improve community involvement, and promote positivity and overall wellbeing, we are seeking volunteers to read letters out loud to our residents, and help them write a reply to their Pen Pal.

Can you spare an hour or two? (monthly, fortnightly or weekly)

Would you like to brighten someone’s day?

Sending and receiving letters has been proven to:

·       Enhance emotional wellbeing - by feeling connected

·       Improve communication skills – reading and responding to letters

·       Broaden cultural awareness – learning new things

·       Increase creativity – getting our ideas down on paper

·       Offer mindful reflection – time to slow down, which is relaxing and rewarding

·       Enhance patience – waiting for a letter to arrive

·       Boost cognitive skill and function – processing the letter content

·       Improve memory – writing things down, helps us retain that information

·       Boost dexterity – holding and using a pen and paper

Plus, receiving a handwritten letter is something to look forward to, in this age of instant messaging!

What skills do I need?

You will gain/develop/improve your communication skills, by reading out Pen Pal letters to our residents, and if required, helping them to write a reply.

Interests

• Health and Social Care
• Older People

Activities

• Practical Skills