Morrisons will be giving away half a million free postcards for children to spread messages of hope this week in a nationwide initiative to help tackle loneliness within communities.

Children of the supermarket chain's colleagues will be colouring postcards and writing messages for the supermarket to distribute to its Doorstep Delivery customers who are continuing to shield while lockdown restrictions are eased. 

Morrisons Community Champions will also be working in partnership with local primary schools to give children postcards illustrated with sunflowers and positive messages that they can colour in.

The school children can post their cards to grandparents, neighbours and friends who they may not have seen recently due to lockdown or give them back to Morrisons to distribute to care homes and via its Doorstep Delivery service. 

Wiltshire Times: Morrisons will be giving away half a million free postcards. (Morrisons)Morrisons will be giving away half a million free postcards. (Morrisons)

According to recent data from the Office of National Statistics, nearly half (47 percent) of adults in England reported that their wellbeing had been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Further research by Morrisons has revealed that 46 percent of Brits are feeling more isolated and alone than they normally would.

Two thirds (67 per cent) said a simple act of kindness could help them feel reconnected with their community and three quarters (77 per cent) said it would positively change their entire outlook for the day.

David Potts, CEO at Morrisons, said: “Although lockdown is easing across the UK we know that many people in the community are still shielding and therefore unable to meet up with family and friends.

“Customers write to me weekly to let me know that Morrisons Doorstep Delivery service has been a lifeline to them and  express their gratitude and we wanted to let them know we will continue to be here for them.

“We hope these messages will put a smile on people’s faces up and down the country.”

Wiltshire Times: Children will spread messages of hope this week in a nationwide initiative. (Morrisons)Children will spread messages of hope this week in a nationwide initiative. (Morrisons)

Every Morrisons store will receive 1500 postcards to give away locally.

The initiative is the latest from Morrisons which aims to make good things happen and bring hope to the nation.

Last week, Morrisons gave away 25 million sunflower seeds to customers to grow at home and launched its ‘Little Sunshine’ award - to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their local community throughout the pandemic.