Age UK Sutton has been lifting spirits across the borough through their 'letters of joy' campaign which tackles loneliness amongst elderly residents.

The ‘Letters of Joy’ initiative aims to spread happiness to elderly residents by sending them; a picture, letter or poem from a younger person who also lives in the Borough.

The initiative works by sending the letters to care homes, hospitals and directly to those who are isolating at home.

Both Carshalton and Wallington MP, Elliot Colburn, and Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Scully have backed the thoughtful initiative.

Paul Scully said: “I know how challenging the ongoing lockdown can be for older people, particularly those who may not have anyone to reach out to during the crisis.

"I hope that these cards will help in some small way to bring comfort as we continue the fight against coronavirus."

Carshalton and Wallington MP, Elliot Colburn, was already in the process of contacting schools to send letters to the elderly when Age UK Sutton approached him.

Elliot Colburn said: “I am delighted that Age UK Sutton and the local MPs have been able to come together and pool our resources as well as our contact networks, working to bring different generations together to combat loneliness whilst maintaining social distancing."

Chief Executive Officer, of Age UK Sutton, Nicola Upton, said: “We’ve seen a large increase in the number of clients who have been getting in touch with us during the outbreak.

"We have identified that there is a gap in services for the over 70s who do not have health conditions but are facing difficulties as a result of self-isolation.

“The ‘Letters of Joy’ idea is a way for us to bring some human contact back into some of our older neighbours’ lives."

You can send cards in an envelope marked ‘Letters of Joy’ to Age UK Sutton, Sutton Gate, Carshalton Road, Sutton, SM1 4LE or to Elliot Colburn MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.