Anchor residents overcoming social isolation thanks to pen pal scheme

Anchor is helping residents overcome social isolation and form new relationships through its Pen Pal scheme. 

Elizabeth Trott, who lives at Anchor’s Hanover Court housing location in Sudbury, is among 91 residents now involved in the scheme launched in 2021.

She has been writing to fellow Anchor resident June Bond for the past 12 months, who herself lives at Anchor’s Brownlow Court housing location in Bolton. 

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

Elizabeth said:

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.

June added:

I think it is very good for your wellbeing. The Pen Pal scheme is absolutely brilliant!

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 our efforts to support and encourage residents to connect and engage with visit our Be Connected page.