A Little Act of Kindness Goes A Long Way…

Posted: 14th May 2020

 

What small act could you make to create a kinder world?

 

This is the question local charity Inclusion Hampshire are asking as part of their ’Little act of Kindness  Pledge’, to help promote mental health and well-being.

 

The campaign, being run as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, is looking for people to pledge a small change they will make during that week to make the world a kinder place, creating lasting change.  This could be anything from getting shopping for a neighbour, ringing a friend isolating or letting your partner be in charge of the remote that week - small acts  which can in turn have positive effects on our mental health and well being.

 

Mental Health Awareness Week is running from 18th - 24th May, with the theme of kindness.

Research from the Mental Health Foundation, the leading charity behind the awareness week, has shown that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected, reducing stress, strengthening friendship and boosting self-esteem.  It can help us feel connected, together and less isolated, something we need now more than ever.

 

Inclusion Hampshire, a specialist education provider with a focus on mental health,  are promoting this idea through their ‘Little Act of Kindness Pledge’ as a way of showing their learners in particular how creating positive changes and being kinder to one another can create a real difference to the way we see the world, our families and community.  These stories will be shared on their website and via social media to highlight the positive changes we can all make.  Learners are also able to nominate someone they think has been really kind, to be  entered into a draw, with the winner receiving a bouquet of flowers as a thank you.

 

Head of Post 16 Service Marie Greenhalgh said,’This year's theme of kindness is an amazing way to get everyone involved. Our staff are making our ‘Little Acts of Kindness Pledges’ to illustrate to learners what a real difference we can make, particularly at this difficult time when people may be feeling isolated, anxious and alone.  An act of kindness can make a huge difference, connecting people and giving support. 

 

We’d love to hear from people in the community about any stories they have about what difference a small kindness has made to them, and even make their own pledges about a small change they could make that week to be kinder. As recent recipients of Gold Standard in the Carnegie School Mental Health Award, we are always looking at new ways to promote wellbeing and reduce the stigma around mental health.  The ‘Little Act of Kindness Pledge’ is something everyone can get involved with and we’d love to hear from as many people as possible, helping us to show our learners how important kindness is.’

 

If you would like to get involved and share your stories of kindness or make your own pledge by video or written,  then please email info@inclusionhampshire.org.uk with details and permission for these to be shared or visit the website at www.inclusionhampshire.org.uk to see some of the stories and pledges already made.