OLDER people in Bradford are being invited to join a new pen pals initiative, run by retirement housebuilder, McCarthy and Stone, encouraging people to take one step to put an end to loneliness.

The scheme hopes to revive the art of letter writing it in order to tackle the issue of loneliness among the older generation, by helping retirees to form friendships from afar.

McCarthy and Stone will match individuals from across Bradford based on their interests, and pair them with someone else from around the country who is looking for companionship.

The scheme is open to anyone aged 60 and over who would like to be a pen pal to someone of a similar age, and who might be feeling lonely, or, think they could benefit from having a new companion.

The closing date to apply is Sunday, March 31. Applications can be made online at https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/pen-pals/, or those interested can request an application form by calling McCarthy & Stone on: 0800 8100089 and providing their name and address.

Liz Green, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone North East, said: “We understand that for a lot of older people who may be experiencing loneliness, opening up and sharing how they’re feeling with loved ones can be difficult. They do not want to be seen as a burden.

“There are also some members of the Bradford community who can’t get and out about easily to meet new people, to visit family, and it is often these people who can feel the most alone.

"The aim of the pen pal scheme is to give over 60s who perhaps aren’t as social media savvy, another means to connect with people – the opportunity to strike up new friendships and have someone they feel they can write to when they feel the need.”

Two such individuals, who have already benefited from the pen pals programme as part of an earlier pilot study, are McCarthy & Stone homeowners, Leslie Harpin, 87 from Hertford, and Clifford Hughes, 89 from Pickering.