It’s clear to me the whole world is speeding up at a rate that’s beginning to feel a little reckless. It’s steam rolling forward and I wonder, are we taking enough notice of its effects on our mental health? Do we ever take a break from this digital world and communicate like we did in the old days? Some may say the “Good old days” but I don’t see it like that.
I like modern life.
Tech is unbelievably useful and I love the simple things like checking if a restaurant is amazing before booking. Digital calendars have completely changed my life! I especially enjoy finding out my children have used all my phone memory with edited pictures of their nostrils. And then I spend hours deleting them. Because of course, I’m not busy in the slightest! Hahahaha.
I’m sure you know of many wonderful ways technology has impacted your life positively but there is that pull to check the next notification a little too often isn’t there? For that instant reply? A spot of doom scrolling on the toilet until there’s nuffin wet to wipe?
Too much detail?
Primary School and Residential Home Initiative. Combating Loneliness.
A Letter Is Better CIC was created to rejuvenate the joy and art of letter writing and through the physical act of writing a letter, we slow down. It takes some thought. And the receiver and writer are connected in a much deeper and profound way. I don’t believe digital correspondence currently provides this level of depth or sense of accomplishment. I want to share this with as many people as possible and I thought, what kind of project could drive this message forward?
Then a good friend of mine called Jen who is really competitive but equally rubbish at playing cards, board games, Pool, drinking games, Rock – Paper – Scissors, said to me, “why not pair Residential Homes with Primary Schools here in South Devon. Create an initiative that helps with combating loneliness for the elderly while supporting the youth with all the juicy bits that make letter writing amazing. It’s a win win.”
Now Jen might have never, ever, not once won a game of cards fairly in her entire life, but she was definitely onto a winner this time! Loneliness is a silent epidemic, affecting people of all ages but for many older adults in care homes, a lack of regular, personal connection can diminish emotional well-being. Simultaneously, in a world dominated by instant digital communication, children can miss out on the valuable skills of patience, reflection, and thoughtful expression. The Letter Link Project provides a solution by joining these two groups.
Workshops and Partnerships.
The core of the project is a structured letter-writing workshop provided by a Letter Is Better facilitator. See images above for details. We are now looking to build partnerships between local schools and care homes here in South Devon so if this is you, Contact Us today. You don’t even need to finish reading the rest of the blog. It’s fine. Email us now and let’s chat about how you can get involved.
The Letter Link Project establishes a consistent, non-demanding form of loneliness support for residents that gives participants something to look forward to and, I don’t think I’ve ever used this word before but here goes, a wholesome activity! And receiving a handwritten letter, a bright drawing, a story about a school trip, or simply an account of a pet pooing on the floor will bring a bit of joy to their day.
I am not saying that Residential Homes are without joy. No, no, no. Not at all. This will be extra joy. New joy!
Our Little Writers get to experience the old fashioned slow communication style most of us still remember. They also get to learn about Patience and Reflection: Unlike texting, letter writing demands time. You must slow down, organise your thoughts, and carefully craft your words. This is creative writing at its best in many ways. Through shared experiences and questions, our Little Writers will develop a deeper sense of empathy for the older generation. They’ll gain perspective on life outside their immediate world, asking questions that truly matter and engaging with history first-hand.
Doesn’t that sound bloody fantastic!
Happy writing everyone.
PS. If you want a free How To Write a Letter Guide, download it here! And please Like and Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
The images at the bottom of this blog illustrate just how different life was in the 1950’s compared to now.
