There can be few things that pay as big a dividend as simple acts of kindness. Selfless acts of giving, be it a smile, a word of encouragement, or the offer of a helping hand, result in an emotional uplift not only for others, but also for ourselves.

On this Random Acts Of Kindness Day – this year, more than any other, random acts of kindness takes on a new significance, so we hope you will join Extern in making some gestures of kindness and bring happiness to others in your community. 

Imagine what the world would be like if each person did one kind thing for someone else.

Get started making a difference with these seven simple ideas:

Be a good listener 

You may not be able to see some of your family and friends at the moment and some could be struggling to deal with loneliness or isolation. Take the time to phone them for a chat, especially those who are alone, and really listen.

Say hello

Post a note through your neighbour’s door to check in with them, particularly if they are vulnerable.

Give someone a genuine compliment

Tell someone how good they make you feel when you’re around them. How great their work is. How much you enjoy their banter. Tell them how good they make you feel when you’re around them. How great their work is or how much you enjoy their company.

Donate an item to the food bank 

Random Act of Kindness Day is a great time to contact your local council to find your nearest foodbank.

Most supermarkets have a food bank bin at the front of the store. You just buy one non-perishable item and drop it in.

Donate

Consider donating to us - It could be a one-off donation, or you could set up a small monthly direct debit so you can support us all year round.

Raising money

Fundraise for us - Have some fun this February...set yourself a challenge, organise an event and raise some vital funds for those in need.

Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to be kind to yourself.

Everything in lockdown is magnified – so feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness can be incredibly overwhelming.

With so much to think about – from worrying about family and friends getting sick to concerns over job stability – there’s a lot going through our minds all the time.

It’s important now, more than ever, to give our minds and bodies a break. 

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Useful links

Here are some small steps you can take to keep on top of our mental wellbeing and cope during times of uncertainty.