“SEND us your examples of acts of kindness” – that’s the message from volunteers at Mental Health Action Group Redditch (MHAG).
This coming seven days is National Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is Kindness.
Normally MHAG would have set up in a vacant unit in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre to highlight the campaign.
This year that’s not possible but the week is still going ahead and and everyone can play a part.
“The Mental Health Foundation highlights kindness ‘because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity – it’s the cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health’,” said Rosie Palmer, chair of MHAG Redditch.
To join in all people need to do is tag #MHAGR or #RedditchKindess on any Facebook posting, video or tweet they put out.
“Given the current coronavirus pandemic, plainly there are incredible acts of kindness being done,” said Rosie.
“However these acts of kindness don’t necessarily have to be around Covid-19 – for instance my husband was at the supermarket checkout and suddenly realised he’d forgotten his wallet. Someone else in the queue paid for him.
“We live in an incredibly kind town. Obviously there were a few exceptions to the rule, but they are very much in the minority, and for me the kindness of people in Redditch is what makes it such a great place to live.”
It is estimated that around one in four people will suffer with mental health issues this year alone with four out of five adults saying they are worried about the effect coronavirus is having on their life.
More than half are saying it has affected their wellbeing and nearly half are reporting high levels of anxiety.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “Nine out of 10 people who experience mental health problems say they face stigma and discrimination as a result.
“We need to come together and face the stigma head on, kill it with kindness. There’s so much help and support available to those who need it, no one should suffer in silence.”
MHAG Redditch can be contacted by email at [email protected] or visit www.mhagredditch.org.uk
Worcestershire Healthy Minds is available on 0300 302 13 13.”
