STAY CONNECTED'S TOP TIPS FOR LOCKDOWN KINDNESS

Can you believe how long we were in lockdown for? In England, we faced a fair few restrictions and it’s safe to say that the general public were definitely feeling the strain.

Although lockdown rules are being lightened, the pandemic is still very much a big issue and the risk of further lockdowns isn’t out of the question just yet.

When in lockdown it can be easy to lose sight of the end, so Stay Connected has put together a top tips to spread kindness during the pandemic.

Paying it forward is an excellent way to spread kindness and happiness. April 28th is a day that worldwide is recognised where we should make extra effort to support your fellow man.

Another way to be kind is to offer going shopping for your neighbours that might be vulnerable or elderly. This doesn’t necessarily need to stop as lockdown rules are lifted, if anything it is a great way to meet your next door neighbours and giving back to the community. Be sure to ring them or get them to write you a list of the necessities they would normally buy.

Pay it forward day is not associated with any other causes, and the aim is to transcend countries and bypass their differences to unite the world through good deeds. This year’s aim is to create a ripple effect of kindness.

Another way to be kind is to offer going shopping for your neighbours that might be vulnerable or elderly. This doesn’t necessarily need to stop as lockdown rules are lifted, if anything it is a great way to meet your next door neighbours and giving back to the community. Be sure to ring them or get them to write you a list of the necessities they would normally buy.

You can also donate food to local food banks, as charity has been hit hard during the pandemic. This is also something you can try year-round. Any tins or long-life foods are ideal for those in need, The Salvation army is a local charity that helps out the homeless, the youth and children, the elderly and much more.

The Trussell Trust www. trusselltrust.org, the UK’s largest network of food banks, has anticipated an increase in people using food banks. If you are fit and healthy, you could even volunteer to help dish out the food to those in need.

Paying it forward is an excellent way to spread kindness and happiness. April 28th is a day that worldwide is recognised where we should make extra effort to support your fellow man.

Unemployment in the UK is likely to reach 2.6 million in the middle of 2021, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. That’s 7.5% of the working age population. Due to people inevitably losing their jobs, struggling financially ensues. Any little act of kindness could really brighten someone’s day who needed it.

There are plenty of ways to encourage kindness. Perhaps pay for an extra coffee and pass it on to the next person in the queue. Taking part in little random acts of kindness are guaranteed to give you a feeling of joy and make someone’s day at the same time.

Lockdown or not, it is so important to support small businesses at the same time. Check them out online, and order through their website. The pandemic has had

such a negative impact on British high streets and local business’ have suffered a lot, with lesser budgets to try to adapt to being open during the pandemic.

Finally, it is evident that NHS key workers have been working tirelessly during the pandemic. To be kind to your local NHS key workers you can do something very simple. Stay socially distanced and adhere to the rules. Blood donations are predicted to fall also. To support the NHS you can also donate blood (if you haven’t got symptoms or haven’t been travelling recently).

There are plenty of ways to spread kindness in these uncertain times. It is essential that we take from the lockdowns the importance of treating others as you would want to be treated.