Letters from Daylesford pupils to aged care affirm 'we're in this together'

Some residents wanted to write back straight away to their new Daylesford Primary School pen pals. Others chose to cogitate a little longer.

Dayesford Aged Care lifestyles coordinator Sharon Treloar said the heartfelt, considerate letters from grade five and six pupils have sparked discussion and joy among residents and staff in lockdown.

The school approached the home with 60 pupils signed up and wanting to write away.

"They always want to know 'how old are you', but they really grasped lockdown, what it means to stay safe and that we're all in this together," Ms Treloar said.

"They were trying to be supportive with messages like 'we know it's a hard time, but you can do this'."

Ms Treloar said residents' lives had not greatly changed aside from the tighter restrictions on visitors. While the facility offered bus trips before the pandemic, many residents had preferred not to go or were unable to go due to mobility issues.

But the letters were different, and out of routine.

Ms Treloar said residents were impressed at the neatness of the handwriting and liked the little drawings. She said pupils' questions prompted many to reflect back on their lives and what they liked doing.

One gentleman, who tended to prefer his own company, wrote back immediately - as he knew was manners to do so - and included a folio of pictures.

"It's a nice one-on-one activity for staff to do with residents," Ms Treloar said. " We laughed together and it cheered us all up."

What started as a small initiative in Ballarat has expanded internationally as pen pals connect through hand-written and online letters.

Pushed forward by Vicky Robinson, the activity started as a means to help her daughter, Rachel Richards, continue to connect with people while she was learning at home.

"Because of the pandemic, we started looking for a situation that would suit my daughter who is doing her schooling from home at this time," she said.

"We started up a 'pen friend' club with some good old-fashioned handwriting as well as emails and Facebook messenger.

"It started in Ballarat and just continued to grow, we're all around Australia now as well as having reached America as well."

Ms Robinson has been thrilled with how the group has continued to grow through social media and believes it is helping her daughter develop crucial skills.

"It's been great to see because it's helped Rachel develop skills independently... She's not only writing letters but skills of emailing. She has connected with friends who have similar interests... it's really helped build her self confidence."

As well as developing skills, she said the prospect of receiving a hand-written letter is something that brings some excitement and anticipation for children struggling with COVID-19 restrictions.

"From what I've heard from other families, it's helped kids feel less alone during this time. It's given people something to physically look forward to... Having something actually arrive in the mail has been such a treat."

Ms Robinson hopes the group will continue growing and adding members eager to connect with like-minded people from around the globe.

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