Kindness is contagious. That’s the message from us as we use our tenth anniversary celebrations to spread a bit of much needed joy.
Brightening the day and raising the smiles of people right across North East Lincolnshire, staff members gifted cheery bunches of daffodils as random acts of kindness.
From teachers to the local postie, bus drivers, patients, NHS colleagues, St Andrew’s Hospice, service users and even the friendly ladies in the local Greggs – staff started a yellow wave of kindness with bunches left on doorsteps, given to strangers in the street, handed over hedgerows and passed on along the seafront.
NAViGO deputy chief executive Simon Beeton said: “The last year has shown us that a bright moment on a dark day can do wonders.
“Even a small gesture of kindness like this from a stranger or a loved one.
“So we are starting a wave of kindness to celebrate ten years of NAViGO, say thanks to everyone, acknowledge the difficult last year and point towards a more hopeful twelve months.”
Kindness has long been known to be positive on mental health and wellbeing, both as something you can give to yourself and others.
Simon added: “Over the last twelve months, we’ve seen some amazing acts of generosity and support so let’s build on that, let’s keep it going, let’s make someone else’s day.
“Be it a stranger, a neighbour, a colleague or a friend. It could be someone you haven’t seen in a long time or a family member.
“It can even be yourself because, now more than ever, it is important to self-care too.
“So, let’s be kind to ourselves and kind to each other.”
The flowers were met positively from all who received them, with many people saying it ‘made their day’. Karen Hoe OBE said: “I received a knock on the door with my surprise bundle of appreciation!
“Overwhelmed, but so thankful to be thought of. Keep up the amazing work.”
NAViGO will be continuing their random acts of kindness over coming months and are encouraging anyone inspired to carry out a random act of kindness to share with them online.
Get help
If you are struggling to cope, are worried about someone you know or need to speak to someone urgently, there is a range of help available.
- The COVID-19 mental health support service offers support to anyone who has been affected by the pandemic in any way. It's free and available 24 hours a day. Just call (01472) 256256 and select option 3.
- If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Safespace provides instant support if you’re vulnerable and need assistance with your mental health out-of-hours. You can speak to the team using Zoom or by calling in via telephone, between 5.30pm and 11pm, Monday to Friday.
- Open Minds offers a range of talking therapies aimed at helping you to deal with the effects of stress, anxiety and depression. You can self-refer to Open Minds online.