25 ideas to be kind for Mental Health Awareness Week

“Kindness unlocks our shared humanity and is central for our mental health. It has the potential to bring us together with benefits for everyone, particularly at times of great stress. One thing we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times, helping people to connect and communities to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Kindness is also a vital way we can help support the millions of people who were experiencing mental health problems long before the pandemic started. The research clearly supports this – it shows that acts of kindness can help improve emotional wellbeing. This is true whether we are giving or receiving it.” Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation

Suggested Ideas for acts of kindness

1. Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
2. Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
3. Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know
4. Tell someone you know that you are proud of them
5. Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
6. Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call
7. Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them
8. Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up
9. Make a cup of tea for someone you live with
10. Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal
11. Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a virtual catch up
12. Send an inspirational story of kindness people around the world are doing for others to someone you know
13. Help with a household chore at home
14. Spend time playing with your pet
15. Offer to send someone a takeaway or a meal
16. Donate to foodbanks
17. Send an inspirational quote to a friend
18. Offer support to vulnerable neighbours
19. Donate to a charity
20. Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation
21. Send an interesting article to a friend
22. Offer to skill share with a friend via video call – you could teach guitar, dance etc.
23. Lend your ear – call a colleague and ask how they’re finding the change in routine
24. Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well
25. Arrange to have a video lunch with a colleague