RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

I have always felt there is something very special about making someone smile, whether it be through a little random act of kindness or a more organised, bigger venture. This week we celebrated National Kindness Day on Tuesday, and though it goes without saying that kindness should be a way of life all year around (and not just on one day) I do enjoy celebrating National Kindness Day as it is a wonderful chance for people to remember moments that have made a difference to their lives. Being kind and making a difference doesn’t always have to be through a big event, it could be paying for the coffee for the person behind you in the queue, or even smiling and saying hello to the people you pass on the street – you never know, it might be the only time someone smiles at them that day. There are loads of ways you can get involved in some acts of kindness, be they random or not!

I think it is rather fitting that the BBC Children in Need Appeal Night falls on the Friday after we celebrate National Kindness Day. The event is one gigantic act of kindness that endeavours to give every child in the UK a safe, happy and secure childhood. Funds are raised throughout the evening of entertainment, that tends to encompass celebrities doing crazy things to raise money. I have always loved watching the appeal shows of charities such as Children in Need, Stand Up To Cancer and Comic Relief, as although each show delivers a hard and upsetting message, it is an evening where people come together to stand against something and endeavour to make a change. Which is amazing. The money raised for Children in Need supports projects throughout the whole of the UK that will help to make a difference to the lives of many children, and they appreciate all donations, no matter how big or small.

There are so many ways to be kind, whether you do those smaller random acts or you organise an event in aid of Children in Need – it doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that you want to help others.  What about popping over to your elderly neighbours for a cup of tea, to ask about their week? Why not bake some cakes for your work colleagues to cheer up the office one day? You could even just help someone cross the road with their shopping. Being good to others makes you feel good yourself, so why not have a look at how you can help to make a difference this week!