It started with an idea over a cup of coffee during the coronavirus lockdown and in just a few short weeks it has flourished into a thriving movement that engages aged care residents, the lonely and those feeling anxious.
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Pen Pals Facebook group founder November Sheehan, from Corlette, is encouraging Port Stephens people to write a letter, or postcard, to be distributed to aged care facilities and people with anxiety or depression.
"I formed the idea one day while sipping on my coffee. Before my mum passed away some years ago, I would write her letters and cards every week because I could not always get down to Sydney where she lived," said Ms Sheehan.
"I was thinking about those residents in nursing homes and in isolation during COVID when it dawned on me. I thought 'what about if I was able to get locals to write letters, we could do this right here."
Ms Sheehan said that the concept received the thumbs up from everyone she approached, including a friend from Regis aged care facility at Corlette.
"Within the first week I had 112 members on Facebook and I have now received in excess of 100 letters and cards ... and those numbers are growing by the day."
Ms Sheehan said that hand written letters, as distinct from texting or anything electronic, encouraged community engagement and added a more personal touch that many elderly people could relate to.
"The ultimate goal of the group is to bring a shining star into someone's day using the handwritten word. By writing a letter, sending a postcard or making a card, it shows this is a community that cares.
"And it reduces social isolation for seniors and hopefully has a positive impact on people's mental health. It also give those people in the community who feel they cannot contribute is these COVID times the opportunity to get involved and provide some neighbourly community support.
"But ultimately, simple words of kindness and positivity will remain our number one goal."
Ms Sheehan said that she hoped to expand the program through a Port Stephens Council community grant. "I would like to set up some seats and tables in a public space and have postcards available."
She said that Pen Pals mailboxes, where letter writers can drop in their messages, have been organised at the Corlette Store, Nelson Bay Mechanical, Spirited A Creative Play Cafe and Burbridge & Burke.
The not-for-profit service has the full support of Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson, who described the initiative as a "brilliant idea".
Pen Pals and interested businesses can contact the Facebook page or penpalsnovember@gmail.com.
