FEAR Pals

How it works

To make this safe for everyone, there is a step-by-step process as to how the ‘FEAR Pals’ page work:

1. If you would like to join the FEAR Pals page, you will send me a few lines about yourself. This can be about your interests, your hobbies, age... anything you choose. It is completely up to you. If you'd like to add a photo next, then please do. This will then create your ‘profile’ for people to see. Please fill in the form below if you would like to join.

2. I then add your ‘profile’ (information) to the FEAR website, under a tab named 'FEAR Pals'. The ‘FEAR Pals’ page will be password protected and ONLY accessible to people who have a ‘profile’ themselves.

For ease, I will give an example as to how someone would get in contact, or how you would then contact another…

3. Person A (someone with a profile, looking to find a FEAR Pal) then scrolls through the page and finds your 'profile'. 

4. Person A might have a similar interest to you and feel they'd like to get in touch.  

5. Person A would then need to fill in a form which goes directly to Kim at FEAR.

6. Kim would then email you to tell you that Person A would like to become FEAR Pals. I will also share with you their contact details and any information they have shared (for example- that they are a parent of a child on enteral feeds) 

7. It is then up to you to make contact, and hopefully become FEAR Pals. 

8. You, yourself, may also want to look through the profiles and find yourself a FEAR Pal, rather than wait for someone to find you. If this is the case, then you would do the same as my 'Person A' example... You too can look at the website and find someone you think has similar interests. You'd then fill in a contact form, and I would share your contact email with them to get in touch. 

I will make sure that the website contains rules about our FEAR Pal page. If you are hoping for your child to find a friend, PLEASE do this using your email and keep an eye on what is being sent. 

General Guidelines:

1. Respect Privacy: Never share personal details (full address, phone number, school/workplace, financial info) 

2. Be Kind & Respectful: Avoid offensive, rude, or inappropriate language. Keep the conversation friendly and considerate.

3. No Pressure: Don’t force your pen pal to share things they’re uncomfortable with or respond within a certain timeframe

4. Avoid Sensitive Topics: Unless both parties are comfortable, avoid discussing politics, religion, or controversial issues.

5. No Photos Without Permission: Avoid sharing pictures unless approved by a parent/guardian.

6. Use a Separate Email (if possible): A dedicated pen pal email keeps personal accounts private.

Letter Writing Rules

1. Be Patient: Letters take time to arrive—enjoy the process!

2. Don’t Send Unsolicited Items: Money, gifts, or inappropriate materials.

3. Parents/Carers Should Review Letters/email: A parent or carer should check letters before they are sent.

4.  Be Patient: Letters and emails take time—enjoy the excitement of waiting!

5. Celebrate Differences: Your pen pal may have a different culture or background—ask questions and be open to learning.

6. Most of all - Have Fun! Share hobbies, favorite books, and positive experiences to build a great friendship.