Writing Back

Writing Back is an award-winning pen pal project which pairs students with older residents across Yorkshire to help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Writing Back – tackling loneliness one email at a time

Loneliness is an issue for many older people, especially those with limited mobility; equally, many university students may experience homesickness or a desire to better connect with others. The project will match you with a pen pal based on your interests and encourages you to exchange emails at least once a fortnight.

Writing Back Leeds is part of the wider Writing Back model founded by Dr Georgina Binnie.

Read this blog to find out more: Writing Back Project and Event

How to sign up

Applications for the Writing Back project are now closed and will re-open in October 2024. Register your interest in the programme to be notified when applications open.

If you have any questions, please email: writingback@leeds.ac.uk 

How we manage your data

For the purposes of administering the scheme we have a legitimate interest in processing your data (e.g. name, email, address).

Your data will be stored securely and used by staff to administrate the scheme. Your data is treated confidentially and will not be shared with any third parties without your permission, unless there is a safeguarding risk.

We will delete your details after 6 years, except where we have to keep a record of a safeguarding issue. We will only contact you in relation to your participation in the scheme. If you would like to access, amend or remove your data from our records, please contact the Writing Back Team at writingback@leeds.ac.uk.