Local Letter Writing Initiative Delivers Joy To Frith House Residents

Local Somerset Care home, Frith House, played host to the launch of a new writing initiative designed to help people in the community who may be lonely, isolated or vulnerable.

Women Who Write (WWW) is a voluntary organisation, orchestrated by Helen Brodie, which harnesses the power of the written word and the simple joy of receiving a physical letter. Currently operated by a small group of women, but also keen to recruit men and children, the idea is to reach out to those in the local community who might benefit from additional engagement to support their wellbeing and encourage interaction. The delivery and collection service offers the scope to form a pen pal type arrangement, but replies are not required or expected.

The residents of Frith House were visibly thrilled to receive their letters and enjoyed exploring the contents. One of the core aims of the letters is to actively promote discussion, engagement and the opportunity to reminisce. Residents were delighted to share their correspondence with Frith House staff, volunteers from WWW, the Deputy Mayor and the Town Crier, who all enjoyed the morning and were on hand to support the project.

Vicki Mitchell, manager at Frith House, had nothing but praise for the initiative, “the residents’ reaction to receiving something as simple as a handwritten letter was tangible. For writing to have that impact; the ability to bring happiness into someone’s life, to provide that moment of warmth, acceptance and sense of belonging is evidence enough that this is a truly powerful tool.”