An Post has pledged to send post and parcels to nursing home residents in Ireland for free this winter. It comes as part of a new community-focused initiative.
The national postal service believes now is the time to be "reaching out with compassion, staying connected and sending love to each other". The service wants members of the public to send "love to communities living in care homes across Ireland".
From now until January 31, An Post will allow any postcard, letter or packet weighing up to 2kg to be delivered for free to or from a nursing home or residential facility.
In a statement, An Post said that they were: "recognising the increased restrictions in nursing homes across the country. To bring a little joy, An Post will ensure free delivery of all card and letter mail posted to and from residents of Nursing and Care Homes in the State."
To avail of the new free service, it's quite simple. You must write FREEPOST where you would normally place a stamp. Also, senders have been asked to include a sending and return address on all items. Customers can send these items through the Post Office network and post boxes across Ireland.
There are also a number of other new Community Focus services that have been announced. Vulnerable customers who cannot get to shops to get their newspaper can now get it delivered to their door during the pandemic. The only cost is the price of the newspaper. Newspapers available include various daily titles, Sunday newspapers and a small selection of weekly publications. The RTÉ Guide, Irish Catholic and Irish Farmers Journal are just some names.
Also, if family members are concerned about elderly relatives anywhere in Ireland, you can now sign up to have a postman or postwoman check in on them. All you have to do is fill out a simple request form on their website. A member of An Post staff will call to their front door along their delivery route. An easy way to make sure everything is a-okay.
