EXCLUSIVE: Nostalgic Letter Writing Service launched from the Yorkshire Dales

A Yorkshire Dales social enterprise, currently developing a mental health app has put pen to paper and launched a nostalgic letter writing service. Dear Vina, nationwide service, does not involve technology, simply write a letter and free your mind.

Jonathan Greenwood, founder of Group Hug, the social enterprise behind the service, said: “During the first lockdown, we delivered nearly 2000 Goody Bags and so many people sent handwritten letters of thanks, they did so because they simply don’t have access to email or social media.  The story was exclusively broken on Dales Radio's Breakfast Show this morning.

Jonathan explains: “I created Dear Vina to fill the gap and offer the opportunity to write a letter through a secure and confidential communication channel.

“I needed a focal point for people to write to, so I chose Vina, my 13-year-old Lakeland Terrier who has a team of trained volunteers ready to hand write a reply encouraging more discussion.

“We invite anyone over the age of 13 to write to Dear Vina about your interests, what’s on your mind or how you are feeling. Writing a letter can ‘free your mind’”.

Group Hug was created to help people with their mental well-being; if you are lonely, love writing letters, or just want to try something different, this opportunity is here for you. 

Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond (Yorks), said: “Loneliness has been a significant problem for many people during the pandemic. I hope this service in North Yorkshire will help to combat the impact of social isolation for those who have not felt happy or able to use modern communication methods like social media, messaging apps or email.”

Jonathan added: “You may be reading this and can think of someone who could use, or benefit from this service. Perhaps they don’t have access to social media or the news. Please share this opportunity with them and encourage them to write a letter.”

Volunteering for Group Hug letter writing service requires imagination and a love of writing letters. To find out more about volunteering to help Vina with her replies and if you would like to join the team of friendly writers, please contact volunteering@grouphugapp.org.

To opt into the service, write your letter to Dear Vina, Group Hug, PO Box 74, Moor Road, Leyburn, DL8 9AP. To opt in for a reply, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we will reply with a personal handwritten letter.

The social enterprise has engaged with over 80 businesses from Yorkshire to help raise funds to support its services. Group Hug App is due to launch later this year.

To find out more about Group Hug and how you can help, please visit https://www.grouphugapp.org