Addison's teacher offered the class a list of activities they could try and Addison wanted to pick one that could help improve well-being for others. So, she got her pen and paper out and started writing.

The seven-year-old wrote and decorated five letters for her neighbours in Mount Helen, none of whom she knew.

Addison wrote in big letters phrases like "be kind", "be happy" and "be cheerful" before signing off with her name and address.

She encouraged her family to join her on that rainy Wednesday by delivering the letters and trying to brighten up her neighbours' day in the pandemic.

Addison was surprised to receive a few replies. Each was nicely decorated and one family even sent a photo to show her the letter they received was hanging on their fridge.

"I thought it would be nice to write the letters because it's been a hard time," Addison said.

"(Remote learning) has been hard because the teacher says we're allowed to talk a little bit, but not too much, and it's hard not seeing my friends."

Addison said she was "very happy and excited" to find letters in reply popping up in her letterbox.

Letter-writing is not a new concept for Addison. She has a pen pal and one of her friends who is stuck in Western Australia during the pandemic wrote her a letter.

Old-style pen-pal programs have been emerging in the pandemic as a way to help connect with others in lockdown.

Daylesford Primary School senior students impressed residents in Daylesford Aged Care with their near writing and considerate, kind words lie, "we know it's a hard time, but you can do this".

Ballarat mum Vicky Robinson and her daughter Rachel Richards started a pen-friend club via social media as a way to stay connected and engaged in remote learning.

The group has grown to include pen friends across Ballarat, Australia and the United States.

Ms Robinson found the prospect of receiving a hand-written letter in the mail brings a lot of excitement and anticipation for children.

Addison was happy to stick to brightening up her neighbourhood.

The best piece of advice Addison can offer to others who might be considering picking up a pen was to have a go - it was good for general well-being.

"You would feel happy," Addison said.

"Even if you did not get some back, it still makes you happy to give to people."

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