Little red post boxes have popped up around London and beyond, giving us the opportunity to send letters to people who might be lonely this Valentine’s Day.
Red Letter Days, pioneers of gifting experience vouchers, are the brains behind this lovely campaign to help combat loneliness. Working together with care homes and charities like Campaign to End Loneliness and The Salvation Army, the idea is fairly simple: anyone can write and send a letter to a stranger who may not otherwise receive one on February 14 – and they will be delivered to the homeless and the elderly around the UK.
According to the Evening Standard, Red Letter Days’ Alison Vickery said of the scheme: “For many people, Valentine’s Day is a fun and joyful occasion centring on love, affection and kindness. But for others, Valentine’s Day can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is why we’re encouraging members of the public to write a heartwarming message to a complete stranger this year, to help make Valentine’s Day an uplifting occasion for all.”
Each letter will be vetted before they are sent, so people are advised not to seal the envelopes. Red Letter Days have also suggested that the notes be happy and uplifting rather than romantic, and also include a little bit about yourself.
You’ll find London-based post boxes inside many WeWork buildings across the city. Here’s a list of locations:
📍 WeWork, 8 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YF
📍 WeWork, Aviation House, London, WC2B 6NH
📍 WeWork, Keltan House, London, E8 4RU
📍 WeWork, Waterhouse Square, London, EC1N 2SW
📍 WeWork, North West House, London, NW1 5PU
📍 WeWork, Medius House, London, W1F 8BH
📍 Salvation Army store, Princes Street, London W1B 2LQ
If you can’t find a box but would still like to make somebody smile, you can send a card to: Red Letter Days Campaign, c/o Keyboards & Dreams, Ground Floor, 34-35 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8DX.