The free postcards are back!

Following on from the success of their first free postcard initiative in March of last year, An Post are once again inviting the nation to send love to family and friends on two new postage-paid free postcards which will be delivered to every home in Ireland this week.

One card has a printed design, while the second has been left blank so that customers of all ages can personalise it with their own design and decoration.

Beginning on Wednesday of this week (January 20), An Post will deliver five million of these free postcards, and they are asking customers to send messages of love and solidarity to family and friends, particularly those living alone.

An Post’s Julie Gill, said “we saw wonderful artwork on the postcards last year so we’re giving customers of all ages the space to be even more creative this time around. Your messages of love and solidarity will brighten people’s homes over the weeks ahead.”

An Post have also announced that they are continue their community supports during the latest period of Covid lockdowns, and are to provide increased business supporter to SME’s.

“Irish postmen and postwomen will continue to provide Community Focus supports including check-ins, newspaper delivery and free post for nursing home residents so that we can all stay connected while staying apart. We’ll leave no-one behind” said Julie Gill.

Among the supports being provided by An Post are:

SMEs

An Post Commerce is extending its support for Irish SMEs. SME discounts on parcel labels are being increased from 25% to 34% with immediate effect. Details at anpost.com/commerce.

An Post Commerce will also provide a series of Expert Insights based on real life learnings from SMEs on business successes and challenges in the Covid environment, such as better trading online, building on new customer relationships and Seamless Shipping Worldwide.

Community Focus - An Post is continuing its range of Community Focus supports for customers:

•Check-In: An Post delivery staff will continue to check in regularly with ‘seniors’ along their postal routes. Family members of older or vulnerable customers can register for a specific free check-in for a relative at anpost.com/CommunityFocus.

•Postage Pick-Up for Older/Vulnerable customers: If older or vulnerable customers are unable to get out to buy stamps a card or letter, their postperson will pick up the item and An Post will cover the postage.

•Newspaper Delivery: An Post will provide same-day delivery of newspapers for older and vulnerable customers Monday to Friday. Customers can find out more at anpost.com/CommunityFocus or newsdelivery.ie

•Temporary Agent for Post Office Social Welfare Collection: Customers can nominate a Temporary Agent to collect social welfare payments (eg Pension) at the Post Office. Forms are available at all post offices and anpost.com/Communityfocus. 9am – 11am on Friday is the dedicated period for seniors to collect payments and do other post office business.

• Postage to and from Nursing and Care Homes: An Post is providing free postage on letters to and from residents of Nursing and Care homes in the State. By writing FREEPOST where the stamp normally goes, An Post will carry cards and letters to residents without a postage stamp.