We’ve said for months that the pandemic has done many things, top of the positive list is that we seem to be a lot friendlier and open with family, friends and especially those we pass on the street. We have received so many messages confirming just that. It seems that following months of self-isolation, we have opened ourselves up to members of our community in ways we’ve never done before. A wave, a smile, an offer to help, appears to be common place now.
A new survey reveals that is in fact the case. However, the research has also shown that our kindness levels are dwindling in comparison to where we were at the start if the pandemic.
To help slow the decline in our kindness levels, the Give a Little Love campaign, and amazing partnership from the John Lewis Partnership, aims to raise £5m for the work of HOME-START and FARE-SHARE through a nationwide effort to encourage communities and customers to embrace the Christmas spirit and give what they can.
Home-Starts across the country are there for families when they need us most. During these difficult times, they have moved essential support services on-line to stay connected with families, providing much needed emotional support, delivering essential supplies and linking families into other community services such as their local Foodbanks.
They have also seen communities coming together, and have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown in our communities during the pandemic. But there is so much more to do.
TV Presenter, and self-confessed Christmas Lover, KIRSTIE ALLSOPP has been talking to us about a new survey that reveals Brits believe the COVID pandemic has made us kinder people. However, the research has also shown that our kindness levels are dwindling in comparison to where we were at the start if the pandemic.
In a bid to combat this and keep up the spirit of kindness, the John Lewis Christmas advert will benefit the two charities which support Britain’s struggling families and are also encouraging the nation to join them in the spirit of Kindness this Christmas through helping in their community and being kind to those who need it.
And here’s the one you may have also seen on TV recently…..
Home-Start recognises that being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. That is why Home-Start is ready to support families through their toughest times.
Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to help them work alongside you to overcome the challenges you are facing. They work with you to build on your strengths and give you the support that you tell them that you need.
You can of course also help out as a volunteer. If you can spare as little as an hour a week, you could help parents not just survive but thrive during this crisis and beyond.
As a Home-Start volunteer, you will be given training and support to be effective and make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work.
To find out more about volunteering, and the work of Home-Start, go HERE.