Morrisons supermarket giving 500,000 free postcards to children to tackle loneliness

Children of Morrisons staff will be colouring postcards and writing messages for the supermarket to distribute to its Doorstep Delivery customers who are continuing to shield while lockdown restrictions are eased.

The retailer's Community Champions will also be working with local primary schools to give children postcards illustrated with sunflowers and positive messages that they can colour in.

The children can post their cards to grandparents, neighbours and friends who they may not have seen recently due to lockdown or give them back to Morrisons to distribute to care homes and via its Doorstep Delivery service.

Chief executive David Potts said: “Although lockdown is easing across the UK, we know that many people in the community are still shielding and therefore unable to meet up with family and friends.

"Customers write to me weekly to let me know that Morrisons Doorstep Delivery service has been a lifeline to them and express their gratitude and we wanted to let them know we will continue to be here for them. We hope these messages will put a smile on people’s faces up and down the country.”

According to recent data from the Office of National Statistics, 47 per cent of adults in England reported that their wellbeing had been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Further research by Bradford-based Morrisons has revealed that 46 per cent of Britons are feeling more isolated and alone than they normally would.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) said a simple act of kindness could help them feel reconnected with their community and three-quarters (77 per cent) said it would positively change their

entire outlook for the day.

Every Morrisons store, including those in Leeds, will receive 1,500 postcards to give away locally. The initiative is the latest from Morrisons which aims to make good things happen and bring hope to the nation.

Last week, the retailer gave away 25 million sunflower seeds to customers to grow at home and launched its Little Sunshine award to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their local community throughout the pandemic.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.