YEP says: Letters have the seal of approval to tackle loneliness

IT's wonderful that the gentle art of letter-writing is alive and well in Leeds and that it is helping bring people together who would not otherwise meet and helping to combat loneliness.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Dec 2017, 16:15 BST

Updated 20th Dec 2017, 16:20 BST

Sometimes life in a big city, despite all its hustle and bustle, can feel very lonely indeed.

The story of Chinese post-graduate student Kun Li and Heather is inspirational. At Prime Minister’s Questions this week Leeds MP Rachel Reeves highlighted the findings of the landmark report produced last week by the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness – and the need for the Government to formulate a national strategy which tackles social isolation.

The fact that this issue was raised at PMQs speaks volumes about the progress that has been made in recent years. And the fact that Mrs May is committed to doing more, while not discouraging was just as encouraging.

Government commitment to tackle the issue, running alongside schemes like Writing Back, will do wonders.

The friendship and the knowledge Heather can give about Leeds to Kun has clearly made a huge difference to them both. We wish the scheme every success - let’s have more for 2018.