Pick up your pen

Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, has published a short video on Twitter asking members of the public to write a letter to their elderly friends and relatives to combat loneliness.

Mrs Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist party, said that ordinarily on Saturdays, for example, she would be at an event or out shopping, but due to the ongoing lockdown, like everyone else, she has been at home with her family.

She said that spending so much time at home had made her think of all ‘the people who don’t have anyone with them,’ given the numbers of elderly and vulnerable people having to self-isolate due to covid-19.

This in turn, led her to launch a #pickupyourpen social media campaign, where she encouraged her followers to write to an elderly relative or neighbour.

‘We need to combat loneliness at this time,’ she said. ‘Pick up your pen and write a letter. Join me in writing to your elderly friends and relatives at this time.’

The campaign has had some great pick-up, particularly among children, such as the pupils of St. Colman’s Primary School in Annaclone, Northern Ireland. Following Mrs Foster’s request, St Colman’s pupils have been busy writing letters and cards to grandparents, elderly neighbours and nursing homes, including the residents of Rathfriland Manor Nursing Home in County Down, who sent the below thanks:

‘Thank you to Fintan, Patrick and Darragh, for these beautiful Easter cards. They will certainly brighten up the home!’