10 inspirational acts of everyday kindness

7th April 2020 Share:FacebookTwitterShare

Positive news has never been more important, so we thought we’d share ten thoughtful acts of kindness from recent weeks. If you’re looking for heartwarming inspiration, this is how ordinary people look after their family, friends, neighbours and even complete strangers when times get tough. 

Acts of kindness post - Heart shaped hand gesture

Image credit: Chinnapong

Stay positive, be kind, and share acts of #KindnessEveryday.

1. Find space in your day for the NHS

Health workers are using every reserve of energy to selflessly look after others during the coronavirus crisis. If you know a health worker who would benefit from a little boost, your thoughtful efforts could make a big difference.


We loved the story of neighbours in Wigan who painted a reserved parking space on their street for a hard-working NHS nurse. Her husband noticed the lines while his wife was still at work, and said:

"She was emotional when the street clapped for the NHS in the week, this will do her in! Let's keep supporting our nurses and NHS."

We agree, let’s support the NHS however we can.

2. Be a good egg

When a five-year-old boy hordes 70 boxes of chocolate Easter eggs you might be tempted to label him a ‘chocolate monster’. But reserve judgement, because generous little Jacob Garrett collected the Easter eggs to give to NHS workers at Whiston hospital in Lancashire.

Jacob said it made him happy. He plans to continue with his acts of kindness in the future by collecting sweets for Halloween: “because at Halloween those in hospital will not have sweets.”

Jacob – you’re a fantastic example to us all – sharing is caring!

3. Reward the hidden heroes

Held a fundraiser recently? A group of Australian schoolgirls recently donated their movie night haul of $100 to a COVID-19 vaccine research team. The team, who’ve been huddled in a laboratory since early January, were extremely humbled. They said that the donation meant “more to us than pretty much anything else that has crossed our desks since we began this journey.”

Like the girls at St Margaret’s School, let’s make a point to remember the hidden heroes – the huge numbers of people working tirelessly behind the scenes who don’t always get the credit they deserve.

4. Look on the bright side

When things seem dark and gloomy, a splash of unexpected colour and light can brighten everyone’s day. Or so decided primary school volunteer Michelle Collen, who wanted to “bring a bit of joy and cheer to people in this very uncertain time.” She lit up her Cambridgeshire home with Christmas lights, shining positivity on neighbours and local residents. 

Way to go Michelle – keep brightening up the days of those around you!

5. Take care of those who take care of you

In the time it takes to shout ‘lockdown’, delivery drivers have become our knights in shining armour by delivering parcels that rescue us from hunger, boredom and ill-health.

To show his appreciation for those who work long hours so that we may stay safely at home, Evan Era left a huge box of free toilet paper and sanitiser gel on his porch for hard-working delivery drivers.

The simple message says: “Take it if you need it. Thank you for your hard work!”

We were as touched by Evan’s thoughtful act of generosity as the stunned driver. 

6. Help create a supportive community

Communities have pulled together to look after each other over the past few weeks, but some have really gone the extra mile. When American teenager Coco, returned home from her final chemotherapy treatment, her community staged a surprise social distancing parade to cheer her on and celebrate the milestone.

Support your local community and they will be there for you in return. Welcome home Coco!

7. Be hospitable

Finding yourself stranded in a foreign place is a stressful experience, so it’s inspiring to see that the ancient tradition of hospitality to strangers remains stronger than ever in many cultures.

This cafe owner in Nepal has been offering free food to all tourists suddenly unable to find flights home. A hot meal and a friendly welcome must be a huge relief to stressed travellers in need.

Thank you for your generous hospitality, Masheee Cafe. Namaste Nepal!

8. Use super powers to keep kids happy

The sound of a child’s spontaneous laughter is a magical thing, but it’s no surprise that kids are finding less to laugh about as the world around them changes. 

To “put smiles on the faces of their local communities,” Jason Baird and a team of superheroes found a novel way to raise spirits in Stockport. As playdates and birthday parties get postponed, this Spiderman and his friends are bringing a little joy to the youngest members of society. 

Thanks for being a hero and caring about our kids Jason!

9. Love thy neighbour

When a doctor with ‘a mild case of COVID’ received a big container of piping hot soup and two huge bags of shopping from a neighbour, he said “I almost burst into tears. She barely knows me.”

Even those who normally exchange little more than a ‘good morning’ with their neighbours have benefitted from such simple acts of human kindness. When the coronavirus pandemic is over, let’s all make time to learn more about those around us. Everybody needs good neighbours!

10. Have fun with everyone

Putting your skills to good use can make a huge difference to those who are feeling isolated and alone. That was the plan of fitness instructor Janet Woodcock, when she brought her street “together” for 10 minutes each day by leading a socially-distant dance and exercise class. Sure it’s a bit embarrassing to begin with, but laughing is the best way to lift your spirits and help everyone to feel better. 

Keep up the good work Janet! Don’t be afraid to have fun.

If you have any positive stories or stumble upon inspiring news, we’d love to hear about it so we can share it with our online community. Tag us and use the hashtag #KindnessEveryday!

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