The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has a new post box. It’s red and has a specific purpose – to help combat loneliness in Pembrokeshire and bring little bursts of happiness to the most isolated members of the community. Behind this new initiative, called the Cwtch Post Box, is local resident, Sandy Davies who has set up five similar Cwtch Post Boxes at venues across the county. 

Created to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst older people and to promote good relations between old and young by bridging the gap and reconnecting generations through words, the campaign has been targeted towards Pembrokeshire residents who may not have living relatives or family nearby, some may have lost partners and many are lonely. These letters are to brighten someone’s day and to ensure that the older people of the county are not forgotten. 

“People are encouraged to write a letter, poem, short story etc. and post it into the Cwtch Post Box. It will then be collected, read by myself to check its content and to ensure there are no safeguarding issues, and shared with nominated older people across the county. It’s not a pen-pal service where the person receiving the letter writes back, it’s just a form of communication,” said Sandy who moved from London to Pembrokeshire with her husband some 14 years ago.

She added: “I decided to start up the Cwtch Post Box campaign, as I realised that keeping in touch with other human beings is the most important thing you can do to combat loneliness. Please join me on this campaign by sharing the posts and nominating an elderly person within your community who would benefit from a handwritten letter and a personal visit from me! Also, please encourage your child(ren) to write a letter, story, poem, create a card or draw a picture to brighten up someone’s day.”

Inspired by her parents, father Amritial Natalia and mum Vasantiben Natalia, who wrote air mail letters to their families in India having emigrated to the UK in the early 60’s, Sandy realises the importance of communicating and sharing stories on paper. Her late-mother-in-law, Nora Davies, would post a local weekly newspaper and a hand written note to Sandy’s family, when they lived in London, when she lived in Tiers Cross to keep them in the loop regarding community events.

“When people celebrate birthdays these days, they get fewer cards as people send e-cards. People use social media channels instead of posting actual hand written cards in the post and it’s not the same. It’s very sad that some people only receive bills and junk mail. Many people don’t understand loneliness and isolation and I’m very passionate for the elderly and want to reach out to them,” explained mother of one, Sandy.

Sandy has been working at St Thomas Surgery since 2011 and a year later took on the role as a volunteer coordinator for Re-engage, formerly Contact the Elderly, organising tea parties for them. 

“It's still going, 13 years this June. Since starting helping the elderly, I’ve organised tea dances, quizzes and cake afternoons, lunches at various locations, film afternoons, birthday celebrations as well as all the tea parties,” added Sandy who encourages the communities of Pembrokeshire to get writing.

Anyone can put their writing into the letter box, and people can also nominate older people to receive the letters and there is no charge. 

“My aim is to host an annual get-together with those who write the letters and those who receive them. It’s only a Pembrokeshire initiative at the moment but I do hope that it can become Wales wide and that loneliness in our communities can come to an end,” concluded Sandy.

On Friday 15 August, Cwtch Post Box will be organising a free writing session at the Torch Theatre specifically for children from 11am to 3pm. Children will be able to get creative by writing a letter or drawing a picture. 

The Cwtch Post Box is based in the foyer near the Box Office at the Torch Theatre and others can be found at the Waldo Lounge, Haverfordwest; Haverfordwest Library, Redhill Prep School and Montessori Nursery and the Mary Immaculate Catholic High School. For further information e-mail:cwtchpostbox@hotmail.com or visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwtchpostbox/.