The Huddersfield Literature Festival hosted a workshop titled “An Introduction to Give… A Few Words” this afternoon. The event introduced a letter-writing initiative led by the charity’s founder Sharron Wilkinson, aimed at fighting against social isolation. Wilkinson said she launched the project in 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown, when a local Huddersfield care home was searching for ideas to relieve residents’ loneliness at a time when social interaction was not possible. Official data underlines the scale of the issues caused by isolation and loneliness in the UK with 78.9% of adults having experienced some form of loneliness, 8.9% of whom having felt lonely often or always (approximately 3.1 million people in England).
After the project had launched, it grew quickly due to support from Locala Health & Wellbeing CIC and became a registered company in March 2021. Now, hundreds of volunteers nationwide contribute to sending uplifting letters to isolated people – sharing stories of their hobbies and interests such as reading and cooking.
The workshop on May the 14th provided participants with informative leaflets, stationary and stickers. Throughout the workshop, Wilkinson offered tips on writing letters, demonstrated how to make an origami gift and discussed the 6 ways to wellbeing – connecting, being Active, Taking Notice, Active learning, Giving and staying healthy. When asked about her thoughts on the event, she stated “I think it’s been lovely that everyone has turned up. People have mingled well by sharing personal stories and it’s fabulous that they all contributed!”
A diverse range of participants attended – 3 elderly British women and one man, a lady called Abba from Libya and a young Asian student. Abba explained “Although my english isn’t good – I was glad to express myself through art today with the origami.”
Wilkinson also touched upon the impacts a personalised, kind-hearted letter can have on a recipient, explaining “Diana, a woman in her 60s has been lonely for a decade after quitting her job as a hairdresser. Her family doesn’t visit her – even on Christmas. However, things changed for her after our team sent her a package including art and a meaningful letter. She burst out crying! And mentioned she felt seen. Now, Diana writes to others as part of our group.”
Wilkinson showed the group sequin art – explaining these are sent to blind people or the disabled.
Afterwards, participants reflected on what they had learned during the workshop – a lady called Christine stated “The event was great. I already love writing post cards to family members – and I recall how soldiers would write diary entries during the wars. Sharing this with others today has given more meaning to what I do and encourages me to write more.”
https://thegive.co.uk/about-us/ Contact: @Giveafewwords on x Image:by Samah Lala