Kindness for Mental Health Awareness Week

We have seen so many acts of kindness throughout our services over the past few weeks; some big, some small but all life changing. We've already been sharing these on social media with the hashtag #PersonaKindness.

We asked staff to share any acts of kindness they had seen or experienced to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which is from 18th May to 24th May, as the theme this year is kindness.

Kindness is 'an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism'*. 

Recognising kindness also means you're taking notice and finding things to be grateful for, which contribute to your wellbeing.

We could certainly all do with more of that at the moment.

Here are a selection of kindnesses shared - thank you to everyone who contributed.

I work in Day Services and as part of my job during this time, I visit an elderly customer to support him in his own home, as he is not attending daycare. The customer's name is George, he lives alone and I think perhaps this is a lonely time for him. I’m able to go home to my husband at the end of the day, but when I leave George sat alone in his house, four words that he always says to me as I leave are ‘mind how you go’. It always means a lot to me when he says it and it comes across as a kind, genuine thing to say

My partner came down to Spurr House on Monday and cut the grass, trimmed all the hedges and swept all the paths. It just made our main entrance look so much nicer. He's currently on furlough and minding our children. My one day off and he goes out of his way to help out. Made us all at Spurr super proud of him.

My sister in law is a school teacher and they have made our customers at Elmhurst some handmade cards, pictures and letters to cheer them up whilst we are on lockdown.

All the staff at Peachment Place, have gone above and beyond to help tenants there. Spending extra time with people who are on their own, even if they don't have a care package with Persona. Adding extra touches to their lives, making sure all have enough food and company. They are a big asset and their values and kindness is unbelievable.

John & Christine who live at Rufford Drive kindly saved some of the banana cake they had made for me, when I dropped off their PPE.

Trish treated her senior, Alice, to some beers to say 'thank you for always being so supportive to staff, always going out of her way to help, without being asked'. A lovely thought & gesture between colleagues. Alice is very thankful to Trish and is looking forward to getting home to enjoy them!

I lost my dad on the 19 April to Covid 19.  Anna and all staff at Pinfold Day Centre have been helping me through this sad time. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. They are all caring people.

Jean, on a number of occasions, has come to St David's Court on her day off & also when on annual leave to do shopping for two or three tenants' shopping for essentials. She has also gone out of her way to purchase colouring books & pens for some of our tenants who have found colouring such a pleasure ..Just want her to know how appreciated she is.

Anna has been a blessing to Grundy and Peachment Place - I can't thank her enough for her kindness, above and beyond her duties. Persona should be proud to have such amazing staff.

Here is a video from the Mental Health Foundation about why #KindnessMatters.

*Learn more about the research on kindness and what else the Mental Health Foundation are saying about their campaign here.

Click here to find ways of boosting your wellbeing and that of your loved ones during Covid-19.