PEN FAQs
Please contact us on paperempathynetwork@gmail.com if you have any concerns and we will try to answer the best we can, for now, here are the most frequently asked questions. This list will most certainly expand over time.
Why do I need to be aged 18 years old or older?
This is for Safeguarding. Anyone under the age of 18 is classified as a minor and are vulnerable to abuse such as 'grooming'. For this reason, we only allow people aged 18 years old or older to use this service.
Why do we send the letters to your PO Box instead of to my Penpal's address directly?
This is for Safeguarding. We do not have the means to ask each user for a valid DBS check. We could easily match Penpals then send you each other's addresses, but if something doesn't work out, or they make you feel uncomfortable, they now know where you live. We do not anticipate any "bad apples" using our services, but we can not know for sure and we take Safeguarding very seriously. Using the PEN PO Box means you're safer, and you can control what your Penpal knows about you and vice versa.
Why can't we exchange money or giftcards with our Penpals?
This is for Safeguarding. Financial abuse is something anyone of any age can deal with, and money laundering is also a (very small) possibility.
PEN is supposed to be a relaxed, fun, and friendly physical Penpal letter writing service, there shouldn't be any need to send expensive items, cash, or giftcards to one another.
On another note, We would also like to have an 'Adopt a Grandparent and/or Parent' Penpal plan in our future, and this will involve the elderly who are classified as
vulnerable adults, who are vulnerable to cohesion and/or scams involving cash or giftcards.
How long will it take to be matched?
As this is a new service, we are going to gather enough 'Expression of Interest' form answers to find you a Penpal that suits your needs.
With this being said, you do not need to pay anything until you are matched! We hope to start to send out matches in the first week of September, 2025.
Once you both confirm you wish to continue and start your Penpalling, we'll direct you to the Patreon.