Sheffield sixth formers support charity's older persons’ Penpal scheme 

Sheffield sixth formers inspired to help isolated older people have penned loneliness busting cards to help those with little other means of company.

The Sheffield Park Academy pupils were inspired to make the cards after hearing about Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) and their pandemic Penpal initiative.

Teacher Samantha Headford led the initiative, having already supported the charity in the past.

Samantha said: “SCCCC is a great charity. I read about the Penpal scheme in the SCCCC volunteering bulletin. Our Sixth Form ambassadors do a lot with the local community, but due to coronavirus our initiatives have had to stop. We thought this would be a lovely substitute in the meantime. We hope these cards brighten an older person’s day.”

SCCCC launched its pen pal service early in lockdown when the pandemic forced its popular Good Neighbour Scheme to be put on hold.

Due to the city facing further restrictions, the charity is now ramping up efforts to post out letters to older people who are now more isolated than ever.

If anyone would like to write to an older person via SCCCC, they can be sent to Pen Pal Scheme, SCCCC, Unit 19 President Buildings, Savile Street East, S4 7UQ, where they will be forwarded on appropriately.