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:
Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know
Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call
Tell someone you know that you are proud of them
Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them
Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up
Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal
Send an inspirational quote to a friend
Send an interesting article to a friend
Send an inspirational story of kindness people around the world are doing for others to someone you know
Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a virtual catch up
What you can do at Home:
Make a cup of tea for someone you live with
Help with a household chore at home
Spend time playing with your pet
What you can do within your Community:
Donate to foodbanks
Donate to a charity
Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation
Offer to skill share with a friend via video call - you could teach guitar, dance etc.
Offer to send someone a takeaway or a meal
Offer support to vulnerable neighbours
What you can do at Work:
Lend your ear – call a colleague and ask how they’re finding the change in routine
Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well
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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