Care home's penpal appeal gets global response

Letters from all over the world, including America, India and New Zealand, have arrived at a care home after residents made a public appeal for penpals on social media.

People across the planet are not only writing letters to care home residents living in the village of Marshland St James, near King’s Lynn, they are also sending gifts such as books and artwork.

The world first heard about people living at Hickathrift House care home, which is run by Barchester Healthcare, after staff made a public appeal for penpals on Facebook.

Care home staff told the world that residents were keen on having a penpal by posting on its Facebook page: ‘Christine enjoys dancing and gardening and asks what's your favourite plant/flower?

'Audrey enjoys singing and bingo and has asked what’s your favourite hobby? Tony enjoys classic cars and nature, he's asked what’s your favourite classic car or film?'

Letters 'put a smile on everyone's face'

On 3 March the care home, which cares for 53 people, revealed on its Facebook page: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who has written in to the residents here at Hickathrift House.

‘We've received letters from around the world, from Germany to Australia and South Africa to Canada. As well as across the UK. Just seeing the amount of letters and emails has put a smile on everyone's face.

"We've excitedly started replying back but please note it may take a few weeks to get through all the letters, alongside our filled activities program.

‘We'd also like to say an amazing thank you for the wonderful donations, photographs, artwork, stickers and crafts that have been sent in.

“We've had a few letters with no return address and will do everything possible to get in contact the writers but if you think you forgot, please message us."

Letter writer: 'Happy to send postcards from wherever I visit'

One member of the public, Catherine Sheridan posted a response on the Facebook page to say “I don't need a reply. Just happy to send postcards from wherever I visit.” The penpal scheme was originally created during the pandemic to connect residents with pupils from Marshland St James Primary School as part of an intergenerational initiative.

In a Facebook post to the public, the care home posted: 'This kindness and generosity has filled the home with joy'.

Anyone around the world who wishes to be a penpal for a resident can write a letter or send an email to Hickathrift House with details of their hobbies and interests. The care home then matches each correspondent to one of their residents.

Alternatively, you can contact your local care home to offer to be a penpal for a resident.

click here for more details or to contact Barchester Healthcare Ltd