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Writer's pictureThe YSI

Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. It's everybody's business.

Every year we hear from our members about their experiences with mental health via blog posts and social media content. This year we are doing similar but we also have a few other ways to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2020.


We want you to show us your random acts of kindness which you can take a photo or video (with permission!) and use in your posts or simply reflect on a time where someone was kind to you on social media using the #YSIbekind. Here's some ideas on what you can do (big thanks to the Mental Health Foundation for these!)


Before you start, please remember the tips below:

Keep others in mind Although carrying out good deeds for other people can make you feel good, don’t forget to keep in mind why you’re doing it – for their benefit not yours.


Don’t overdo it If you find that you are giving too much of yourself or have gone beyond your personal resources, think about taking a step back. We recommend starting small so that you don’t become overwhelmed or give more than you are emotionally or in other ways able to give.


Make sure what you are doing is in line with the Lockdown Legislation

If you're unsure then check out this link here to see if what you are doing is permitted given the current situation with Covid-19 in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/


Keep connected online:


  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. Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call

  5. Tell someone you know that you are proud of them

  6. Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them

  7. Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling

  8. Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up

  9. Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal

  10. Send an inspirational quote to a friend

  11. Send an interesting article to a friend

  12. Send an inspirational story of kindness people around the world are doing for others to someone you know

  13. Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a virtual catch up


What you can do at Home:


  1. Make a cup of tea for someone you live with

  2. Help with a household chore at home

  3. Spend time playing with your pet


What you can do within your Community:


  1. Donate to foodbanks

  2. Donate to a charity

  3. Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation

  4. Offer to skill share with a friend via video call - you could teach guitar, dance etc.

  5. Offer to send someone a takeaway or a meal

  6. Offer support to vulnerable neighbours


What you can do at Work:


  1. Lend your ear – call a colleague and ask how they’re finding the change in routine

  2. Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well

  3. Arrange to have a video lunch with a colleague


At the end of this week we will also publish a video about kindness which we are excited for everyone to see. YSI members across Scotland have come together from their homes to share the importance of kindness which can help us to strengthen relationships, develop communities, and deepen solidarity.

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