5 minute read
BE KIND
‘Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind’, wrote 20th century novelist Henry James.
By Diane Cooke
One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in these uncertain times.
From supermarkets establishing “elderly hours”, to viral videos showing people having mass singing sessions and clapping our carers. People are setting up groups to offer support to the elderly or vulnerable – like collecting groceries or calling them for a chat. Stories of synchronised sing-ins, choreographed dances over video and people having virtual movie nights have been shared all over the world.
Some restaurants and cafes are even delivering free food and drinks to the most needy.
A study of 2,000 adults by ChannelMum. com found 64 per cent believe COVID 19 is bringing their neighbourhood closer together in a lot of ways.
Many are now carrying out acts of kindness they wouldn’t have done before the outbreak with three in 10 checking in on elderly relatives and another 23 per cent getting in touch with a vulnerable neighbour to offer help.
Others have started to donate to a foodbank (13 per cent), volunteered for a charity or local group in need (10 per cent) or shopped from a small or local business instead of going to a large chain (28 per cent). The family of 88 year old Darrell Blackley, who died at North Manchester General Hospital in March after testing positive for coronavirus, asked people to carry out acts of kindness in his memory rather than send cards and flowers.
Ali Currie, from south London, said her two daughters, Scarlet, 10, and Grace, 12, posted handwritten notes to the houses on their road.
“They are pretty caring girls,” she told the BBC. “We live in a really lovely neighbourhood which is full of great community spirit.”
Beauty Banks, a charity that supplies essential toiletries to people in poverty, launched an emergency virus related appeal.
Sali Hughes, who cofounded the campaign. said it raised £60,000 in the first day to pay for soap, washing powder and other goods for people who don’t have the money to stockpile.
“It’s been great to see kindness spread so fast and so far,” said Becky Wass, whose postcard campaign, aimed at helping people look out for their neighbours, was shared widely on social media.
The postcard, which people can print at home, allows neighbours to offer to deliver shopping, drop off urgent supplies or talk on the phone, and gives the recipients their name and phone number to contact.
The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Sarah Butchard, who is based at Mossley Hill Hospital, says kindness is a universal currency.
“Whether this is a kind word from a friend, a colleague giving you support just when you need it or a small act of kindness from a stranger, we are all familiar with the warm glow you feel when you are a recipient of kindness. This however is a reciprocal relationship. Not only does it feel good to receive kindness we can also get a positive boost from being kind to others.”
Dr Butchard says it has been hypothesised that the ‘helper’s high’ can ignite the brain’s reward system and drive pro-social behaviour.
There are many documented benefits to kindness; increased life satisfaction, positive mood, acceptance by others, decreased anxiety through the release of serotonin and oxytocin and, in older people, even increased longevity.
“Fundamentally, connecting with others through kindness fulfils a basic human psychological need, that is; the need for relatedness and belonging. It is therefore only natural that in times when we are forced to physically distance ourselves from others we strive to maintain social closeness and do this through increasing our kind acts towards others.”
Useful contact: Covid Mutual Aid – covidmutualaid.org/contact Email: covidmutualaiduk@gmail.com
Here’s some things you can do...
Offer to skill share with a friend via video call – you could teach guitar, dance etc. Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well Send an inspirational story of kindness people around the world are doing for others to someone you know Donate to foodbanks Offer support to vulnerable neighbours Offer to send someone a takeaway or a meal Make a cup of tea for someone you live with Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them Tell someone you know that you are proud of them Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a phone catch up Arrange to have a video lunch with a colleague
Help with a household chore at home Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal Send an inspirational quote to a friend Send an interesting article to a friend
Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know Spend time playing with your pet Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self isolation Donate to a charity Lend your ear – call a colleague and ask how they’re finding the change in routine
Liverpool mum Diane tells her story of support during self isolation:
“All the subway branches donated all fresh produce. Jake from Subway and his friends, including Vannah from the Liverpool Vegetarian and Vegan Society, made up produce packs and gave them out free of charge outside a department store in town. A lovely lady called Jennifer collected from three Subway branches and dropped off, at her own expense, to people who messaged her via the olio app, which helps prevent food waste. Jennifer brought lots to me and my neighbours.
