Postbox installed on retail park for people who are lonely this Christmas

Russell Hall said he hopes the idea brings about “a few more smiles over the seasonal period”

A new Liverpool initiative is hoping to help curb loneliness this Christmas season. New Mersey Shopping Park, on Speke Road, is inviting customers to help spread cheer in the community.

The shopping centre has launched the ‘Merry Mailbox’ scheme in collaboration with Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton. It aims to gather heartfelt Christmas cards to be distributed to older community members who may feel isolated over the next few weeks.

Locals are encouraged to write their warm wishes and post them in an unsealed, blank envelope in the ‘Merry Mailbox’. Posting the card is free, and no stamps are required.

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Russell Hall, centre manager at New Mersey Shopping Park, said: “While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, sadly for some in our community it can feel isolating.

“It’s our visitors who make Christmas so special for us here at New Mersey, so we know we can count on them to help spread some festive cheer to those who need it most. We hope our ‘Merry Mailbox’ at New Mersey will help to bring a few more smiles over the seasonal period.”

Unsealed cards can be posted into the special post box—located near Costa Coffee and JD Sports—from now until Sunday, December 15. Then, they will be sent via Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton to local residents to arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.

Jacinta Ashdown, CEO at Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton, said: “We know that so many older people across the UK and in our local community say they feel lonely at Christmas and, for lots of people, it can often be the most isolating time of the year.

“That’s why we’re so pleased to partner with New Mersey on the ‘Merry Mailbox’ initiative, to be able to share cards from people in the community with our members to help them feel more connected this Christmas. We’d encourage as many people as possible to take part, as just one card could make all the difference for someone spending Christmas alone.”