People in Gedling borough are being urged to get involved in a day dedicated to compassion and kindness
Volunteers from across the borough have helped formed InKind, a community group that believes being kind is something anyone can do, and it makes a positive impact on you too.
InKind is now planning to host a special day in Nottingham’s city centre on Sunday, July 22. It will be filled with activities to help Notts residents and visitors feel the love, and to promote kindness and compassion “just because”.
InKind member Jeff Buck said: “Nottingham is the best city in the UK. It’s full of energy and packed with good people who look out for each other. But many of us are struggling to deal with loss, stress, ill health, and there can be so much pressure to be seen to be happy and successful.
“We all need to feel cared for, and accepted for who we are. Being offered some time, or just a smile, from a stranger can be unusual in today’s impersonal world but it’s been clear that many people really need that connection, however briefly.”
InKind Notts set up in 2011. Since then, the group has hosted four Random Acts of Kindness days based in St Peter’s Gate. At first there has been surprise and some people have been a little wary of accepting compliments or freebies.
Group member Kaye Brennan, who lives in Gedling, recalls: “It started silin’ dahn – as we say in Notts [very heavy rain] – so I took a big golf umbrella out and walked with shoppers to keep them dry. It was quite a strange feeling for both of us! But when they hear more about what we’re doing, people really get behind the idea.
“I spotted one older gentleman who had taken refuge in a shop doorway, when I approached him he told me he had mobility problems and very rarely left his house but he had to pay in a cheque to cover some bills – it had taken him ages to get to town and he was getting really wet and was becoming distressed.
We walked slowly together to the bank, and when he had finished me and my umbrella accompanied him back into the dry of the Broadmarsh Centre. He was so grateful for the shelter and the company even for that short period of time. It made his day – and mine.
“I love being involved in random acts of kindness – it’s a lot of fun and even better, everyone can join in or benefit from what’s on offer.”
The day has attracted hundreds of people each year, with volunteers sharing out sweets donated from local retailers and other freebies, as well as offering conversation, and even hugs. The group set up a mural for children and adults to write messages and draw pictures describing what kindness means to them, and a ‘kindness conga’ weaved through St Peter’s Gate to the Market Square.
The group promises similar activities and more this year, including ‘Get to Know a Stranger’ (two chairs, people sit down and chat to each other) and Kindness Challenges. Volunteers are welcome to help before and during the event, and InKind hopes to see hundreds of locals drop by on the day.
Nottingham based Robin Hood Energy, the city’s not-for-profit energy supplier, is also getting behind the ‘be kind, just because’ message with their ‘Nottingham Is Kind’ campaign, and will be joining in on the kindness message alongside InKind on July 22.
