Mental Health Awareness Week

Welcome to the Week that could prove to be our most important yet, coming as it does in these challenging times with a message of "Kindness." It is at times like these, when the world feels upside down, that we think kindness could be the key to turning things around.

We all know that being kind is the right thing to do but did you know that kindness is good for you? A little act of kindness can boost your mental health, reduce stress and it can cheer you up to think of some else – not forgetting, of course, to be kind to yourself.

​It is a path to a society that better protects our mental health.

​If you are not sure how to begin the conversation about "Kindness" we hope our specially commissioned animation is a good place to start. If this inspires you to think about doing something kind for a friend or a stranger today please read out ‘Kindness Matters Guide’ –acts of kindness do not have to be grand gestures they could be as simple as calling a friend, writing a letter to a distant relative or wishing a (socially distanced) passer by good morning – don’t forget #kindnessMatters

Download your guide to acts of kindness

The research evidence for the positive impact of kindness on protecting and improving mental health has always been clear. Our own survey has shown that almost three quarters of UK adults say it’s important that we learn from the coronavirus pandemic to be more kind as a society.

Our research shows almost three quarters of people agreeing we need a kinder society. So it is for this reason that the Foundation is calling on Governments to take kindness seriously when making decisions about polices and shaping services because kindness has a role to play in how we run our welfare services, our justice and health systems. Together we can unlock our shared humanity, strengthen our relationships, develop community and deepen solidarity.

Click here to find all you need to know about why kindness matters

Please do tag us across social media and use the hashtags #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek when sharing your stories of kindness during the Week.