COMMUNITY Action Network's pen pal initiative is calling for urgent help from Dorset-based artists. 

A pen pal initiative launched by the Community Action Network (CAN) is calling for local artists to donate some artwork to help with their scheme combating loneliness. 

The pen pal scheme, 'Yours Sincerely', helps to connect young people with isolated elderly members of the BCP community.

'Yours Sincerely' was devised during the first lockdown by teenagers from the region to tackle the loneliness that they and older people experience.

Service user John, aged 93, commented what a "wonderful breath of fresh air" it was to receive a letter through the scheme. 

The pen pal project brings sunshine in an envelope to people aged over 65 across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused loneliness and isolation to creep in and have damaging effect on those of all ages, especially people having to shield.

Volunteer letter writers aged between 14 and 18 set up this project where letters are exchanged, in order to brighten the day of both the sender and recipient.

'Yours Sincerely' would like to include an original piece of art in their letters over the coming months and are asking for donations from local artists.

If you can help they need original pieces of art with a positive and colourful theme, especially of local scenes or nature.

How to donate art: 

To donate original pieces of artwork to 'Yours Sincerely' then please follow these steps:

- The size needs to be no larger than 12x19cm as that is the size of envelopes they are using.

- Please put your name and the date created on the back.

- To donate please email: ys@can100.org

- Or donate your artwork by posting or bringing it in to the office: Yours Sincerely, CAN, Boscombe Link 3 - 5 Palmerston Road, Bournemouth BH1 4HN. 

Donations can be promoted through the CAN social media page; just let them know your name and website address.