Leading calligraphy brand, Manuscript Pen Company, has launched an appeal for people across the UK to send handwritten cards and letters to help combat the impact of loneliness from Covid-19, to mark this year’s annual World Calligraphy Day on 12 August.
Founded by Manuscript Pen Company in 2017, World Calligraphy Day brings together experts and novices across the world to come together and discuss, practise, learn and celebrate the art of calligraphy and creative lettering.
Being held this year on Wednesday 12 August, Manuscript is launching a campaign to encourage people across the UK to learn a new skill, adopt traditional practices and to send handwritten notes and letters to be shared with care homes residents, who have suffered loneliness in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With many elderly residents now allowed to receive a regular visitor, in line with the latest Government guidance, and many families still hesitant due to the ongoing risk of Coronavirus, Manuscript’s Send a Letter campaign will help to bridge the gap and bring some joy to residents.
To get involved, Manuscript is encouraging individuals to send a letter or card with a special message inside to: Say Something Special, Manuscript Pen Company Ltd, Main Road, Highley, Nr. Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6NN, which will be passed on to care home residents.
To spread further positivity, individuals are also encouraged to take photos of their handwritten messages and to share these on social media using the hashtag #SaySomethingSpecial and #WorldCalligraphyDay, tagging Manuscript Pen Company and nominating three others to pass on the goodwill to those who may need cheering up in these uncertain times.
Charlie Stockbridge, managing director at Manuscript Pen Company, said: ‘To celebrate the fourth annual World Calligraphy Day and following the success of previous years working in conjunction with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, we’d like to continue to theme of #SaySomethingSpecial but this time we can really make a difference to our most vulnerable community members and showing we care for World Calligraphy Day 2020.
‘2020 has undoubtedly been a really challenging year, but with older generations less likely to use technology to stay connected, it’s important we all play our part in ensuring we combat the impact of loneliness following the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Our Send a Letter campaign helps to do just that, and we’d like to encourage as many people as possible to get on board and help create positive memories for those who have been shielding from family and friends during lockdown. By sending these letters to our offices to be passed on but also be sharing online and tagging others, we hope to create a positive chain mail which inspires as many people to get involved as possible so we can make a real positive impact for those feeling the effects of loneliness.’
Based in Shropshire, Manuscript Pen Company is a family brand which has been producing creative tools in Britain since 1856. The company is the largest calligraphy brand globally, exporting to over 70 countries.