Becoming a Pen Pal is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience! There’s something special about getting to know someone through handwritten letters, and it’s an exciting way to build lasting friendships. All of our projects are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
We currently have 5 projects for you to take part in. This page explains the process to become a Pen Pal through our project My New Friend. Please take a look at: Pen Pal To A Senior, Christmas Cards To Care Home, Christmas Cards For Seniors and School To School.
There are two ways to become a Pen Pal - Would you like to write the first letter? or We can match you with somebody who has written a letter?
Would you like to become a Pen Pal but prefer not to write the first letter?
We have a rolling list of matches - people who’ve already written their first letter and are waiting for a response.
Simply fill out our Personal Profile Form and we’ll begin the process of finding someone close to your age with similar hobbies and interests. Once we’ve found a suitable match, we’ll send you their letter for you to reply to.
We welcome letters from all over the world! If you’d like to write the first letter for us to match with a Pen Pal, simply send your letter to the following address: Tendring Pen Pals, PO BOX 364, WOODBRIDGE, IP12 9FY, United Kingdom.
Before getting started, please ensure you’ve read through our Community Guidelines to understand the best practices for letter writing.
Don’t forget to visit our Letter Help & Downloads for useful advice and inspiration on how to craft a thoughtful, engaging letter. - Remember, you must also complete a Personal Profile Form.
Pen Pal Passport
When you become a Pen Pal for the first time, we’ll send you one of our Pen Pal Passports.
It’s a fun and useful way to keep track of your Pen Pals. Use it to log their names, Pen Pal IDs, and the countries they’re from.
Order your FREE Starter Pack! - UK ONLY
Our Starter Pack includes everything you need to begin your Pen Pal journey:
Writing Paper, Envelopes, Lined Writing Guide, Personal Profile Form, Pen Pal Passport.
You’ll also receive a helpful Hints & Tips Guide to inspire and assist you with your letter writing.
Geoff Banks from Devon, England, and Celesta Byrne from Texas, USA, both 101 years old, have shared a pen pal friendship for over 84 years. It all began in 1938, when they were 16, as part of a school programme connecting British and American students.