Pen Pals in Cardiff are needed to support older people that struggle with mental health problem all over the country.
Volunteers in Cardiff are asked to sign up for a new pen pal project to support older people that struggle with mental health problem over the country.
Pen pals project is a new voluntary programme that is organised by Volunteering Matters Wales to care about isolated older people’s mental health through writing letters under this pandemic situation.
“Under the lockdown situation, we can’t travel to home visit anymore. To let the older people know there is someone they can talk to, we decide to do it through a new project called Welcome Friend pen pal project,” said Diane Matheson, senior development coordinator of the organisation.
The organization has over 100 elder members living alone and their family member has moved away from them. It has been organizing activities such as phone call and home visit to older people members that live alone and mental health problem all over the country for three years.
“Some of our members start to feel anxious and isolated during this pandemic period as there is no one visit them and talk to them. It is important show them there is still someone they can communicate with,” said Diane Matheson.
“Most of our members aged 80 to 90 have hearing difficulties and do not know how to use technology. We think that writing letter is the best way to communicate with them.”
Through this project, volunteers can build up a long-term and beneficial relationship with older people through writing letters.
“Though volunteer has to expect that it might be one-sided communication as some of our members will not be able to write back. Most of our members will be happy to response back and build up a relationship from two strangers through writing letters,” said Diane Matheson.
“In fact, this project does not only provide beneficial help to older people. Volunteer can learn from the older people life experience and different culture through exchanging letters.”
Public can apply for volunteer and support isolated older people through Volunteer Matters Website or contact Diane Matheson through 0778 310 445 for more information.