Volunteers needed for Sheffield pen pal pilot scheme

Volunteering Matters are now taking on more people who wish to receive a letter as well as a new recruitment drive for more volunteer letter writers.

Mark Hible Volunteer Manager at Sporting Chance Sheffield, Volunteering Matters said: “As a volunteer letter writer, you would write on a monthly basis to one or more recipients, postage and stationary costs are reimbursed, you would give as much time as you feel comfortable with.

“New schemes for telephone befriending, and additional online activities are being introduced, so if you enjoy chatting to people or have expertise or knowledge or passion in a particular area let us know. Full training and support will be given.

"The main attributes you need are enthusiasm, reliability and be able to give up some time. Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and can build your confidence and skills.”

Wallace aged 92 was amongst the residents in the region who received letters as part of the scheme.

He said: “I’ve hardly been out of the house in months, I was sent a gift at Christmas and also got a phone call on Christmas Eve from my pen pal which was such a nice surprise”.

In addition to the pen pal scheme the organisation run a weekly general knowledge and sports quiz and keep fit (men only) sessions.

All of the online sessions and pen pals scheme are available to any adult aged 25 and over. The keep fit sessions are for men only.

Volunteering Matters have been involved in volunteer recruitment on the National Journey Makers Programme on the Sporting Chance Scheme across Sheffield and Rotherham .

Mark said: “Although the project names sounds like we only do sport, we do a lot more than that and have numerous engagement and support systems.”

Volunteers can be aged 18 and over and individuals wishing to access services (all free of charge) can get in touch.

For information about activities or volunteering contact [email protected] or call 07841 430171.