It is almost a year since I received the following email from Team Inspire:

We’re a team of colleagues from Pitney Bowes Ltd who are taking part in ‘The Prince’s Trust Million Maker challenge’, where we’re aiming to raise over £10,001 for this wonderful charity to help in the support of young adults to build better futures.

To raise these funds, we’re creating an inspirational book of stories from people across all walks of life, sharing their life experiences and showing how facing difficult situations head-on, became their greatest triumph.  To know you are not alone; can also help, especially by learning from other’s experiences. To read, how from adversity, you can find hope and by having hopes and dreams you CAN achieve an optimistic future.

Our book will be in paperback, titled ‘The Power of Letters’. There will be three different themes; Hopes and Dreams, Reflections and Optimistic Futures, whether it’s a love letter, an apology, a letter of recommendation, a thank you or a simple note in your lunch box, many great things start with just a letter.

We want to appeal to a large audience aged 16+ with the idea that you don’t need to read the whole book in one sitting; you can pick a page any page for some inspirational words to help steer your mind set for the day.

So why are we telling you this?  –

We wanted to ask if you would be willing to write a letter or poem for our book, keeping within the themes detailed above about your own journey, or something that you feel would help inspire others. We know your contribution would be greatly received and valued by our readers, as well as helping us achieve our target of £10,001 for The Princes Trust.

****

Well I simply couldn’t refuse could I?

I was delighted to submit, and have accepted, a letter in The Power of Letters (pp160-162 if you’re interested). Although I’d love to review The Power of Letters as I think it’s a fabulous book I didn’t think it was ethical to write a review of a book I’ve written for. There is a magical feeling in turning the pages and finding your name in such a book.

The Power of Letters has contributions from actors like Nicholas Pinnock, writers like Tina Baker, public figures like Alastair Campbell to anonymous people and the ordinary ones like me tucked away in Fenland Lincolnshire. There are helpful web addresses and telephone numbers at the end where anyone experiencing some of the challenging aspects of life explored in the letters can turn for help. I think it’s a wonderful book and the ex-teacher in me feels glad to have to have contributed to The Prince’s Trust through whose work young lives are able to change.

Instead of a review, let me give you details about The Power of Letters:

The Power of Letters

What you hold in your hand is a collection of letters and poems, showcasing the value of what a positive mindset can achieve. To help remind people to believe in themselves. With a positive frame of mind, you can achieve anything you want. This book shares real-life experiences from everyday people (some famous) from young and old for a diversity of thought across different life journeys.

Challenges can come in all shapes and sizes, and mental health in all its guises does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, any race, gender and at any age, with varying impact. No matter what you are going through and dealing with, it is always good to know that you are not alone. Our collection of letters will inspire you and remind you that others have triumphed over adversity, and you will, too.

We believe by learning from other people’s true experiences and reflections, you too can find hope.

****

I do hope you’ll be able to support this book.

The Power of Letters is available for purchase here.

For more information about Team Inspire, visit their website, follow them on Twitter @powerofletters1 or find them on Instagram.