Post a Smile
Post a Smile is Housing 21's resident pen pal scheme. It gives residents the opportunity to exchange letters with other Housing 21 residents living in schemes across the country.
Whether you'd like to talk about your hobbies, favourite memories, family, pets, travel, books, gardening, or everyday life, Post a Smile is a simple way to connect with others through the joy of letter writing.
There's no pressure, no deadlines, and no expectation about how often you write. The scheme is all about companionship, friendship, and enjoyable conversation.
How does Post a Smile work?
- Joining Post a Smile is easy. Just speak to your local manager and let them know you'd like to take part
- Your details will be shared with our Scheme Services Coordinators, who will find a suitable pen pal match
- Once a match has been found, you can start writing your first letter
- To keep everyone safe and protect residents' privacy, all letters are managed through Housing 21
- Local managers will send and deliver all letters
- You're not obligated to send letters, and you can leave Post a Smile whenever you like
Why take part?
Post a Smile can help residents:
- Build friendships with residents from other schemes
- Share experiences, memories and interests
- Stay connected with others
- Brighten someone's day with a thoughtful letter
Our pen pal scheme designed to encourage companionship, friendship and meaningful conversation across Housing 21. We encourage anyone interested in taking part to speak to their local manager.
Frequently asked questions
Any Housing 21 resident can express an interest in joining the scheme by speaking to their local manager.
No. Residents do not need to arrange postage themselves, as letters are handled through Housing 21.
The Scheme Services Coordinators will match residents based on the information provided when signing up, including any preferences that have been shared.
Residents cannot choose a specific pen pal, but you can share preferences with your local manager when you register your interest.
No. There is no minimum number of letters you need to send. You can write as often or as little as you wish.
You can write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Many residents enjoy talking about their hobbies, interests, favourite memories, holidays, family history, pets, books, films, gardening, local communities, and everyday life.
No. To protect everyone's privacy, residents should not share home addresses or personal contact information through the scheme.
There is no obligation for residents to continue corresponding. If you have any concerns, speak to your local manager.
Simply let your local manager know. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can leave the scheme at any time.
Please speak to your local manager, who will be happy to help or put you in touch with the appropriate team.
If a pen pal causes a safeguarding concern, please speak to your local manager or email: Safeguarding@housing21.org.uk
If you'd like to ask further questions, please contact your local manager in the first instance.