This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, is running an #ActsOfKindness campaign to highlight how generous gestures and thoughtful actions have made a difference to our lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Approximately 1 in 4 people across the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, with 1 in 6 people in England saying they have had a common mental health issue each week.
The theme of this week is #KindnessMatters, stressing how acts of kindness are important for people’s wellbeing – support the community, neighbours and loved ones during incredibly tricky times. Acting kindly is not only beneficial for the person you are helping, but is also shown to reduce your own stress and anxiety.
Caroline commented:
“This pandemic has really brought out the best in our local community as people have come together to support each other – not only the vulnerable, but also neighbours, loved ones and friends as we socially isolate.
“Being alone, or just with your household, to stop the spread of Covid-19 can have serious ramifications for our mental wellbeing. That is why I think this mental health week is especially important, to highlight how people are not alone and how residents are going above and beyond.
“I encourage everyone to nominate their #ActsOfKindness and thank those who have helped them – no matter how big or small – during this crises.”
Caroline is asking constituents to fill out her webpage with the nominated person and details of their #ActsOfKindness. The nominated resident will receive a personal note of thanks and certificate from Caroline.
She is also asking – for those who want to share their story across social media – to submit a photo of themselves holding a piece of paper with the nominated person’s name on and the hastag #ActsOfKindness. Those wanting to be on the social media campaign should email the photo to caroline.dinenage.mp@parliament.uk, with 150 words maximum about how they have been acting kindly during the pandemic.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday 24th May.