Good Morning Lovelies, 

Over the past six years, since my dad passed away, I have been working hard to try and help my local area as much as I can. Having experienced extreme sadness after he left us, I found comfort in the kindness I received from those in the town and homes nearest to me. All of which encouraged me to want to give back too. 

From working in a charity shop to providing new services where I live, I have been able to see smiles on many people’s faces because of the little acts of kindness that some strangers can do. Most of the time, these acts can be done for nothing at all, only the time spent dedicated to them, which also didn’t have to be a lot in my case. As long as you got what needed to be done, everyone was thankful. 

If you have been thinking about maybe helping the people in your community, here are some simple but incredible acts that you can do that make a real difference to all…

Find A Local Food Service: Listening to the people in my village, many of them were seeking something new to spark their appetites on a weekend. They wanted traditional takeaway style food that didn’t cost the earth and helped other local businesses too. After reaching out online, I found a number of food trucks, including a brilliant fish and chips service, who now come and feed all near us. Seeing and hearing how much joy this brings to their Saturday nights made me so happy, as it had only taken a few messages and calls to set it up. Reach out to those near you online and bring a slice of food heaven to your neighbours too. 

Foster An Animal: Due to my allergies I have never done this, however, I have pet sat before for a neighbour and her guinea pig. Yet, having seen a local scheme recently, it is something I would have loved to have done. For a short period of time, you can help an animal in need, by putting them up in your home. Providing endless amounts of cuddles, fun and frolics, you may not want to give them back in the end. Any neighbour, whether human or not, deserves kindness and attention. 

Provide Your Skills/Services To Those In Need: Where I live, we have a Facebook page that is dedicated to all the news and items that are important to our area. Often, the page will have messages from fellow villagers asking for help with things such as computers, gardens and home decor. If you have a similar page, you could look out for something you maybe skilled at and offer to help for a small fee or for free. I have helped with some social media and computer bits in the past, which have left me feeling a lot better, knowing I have helped a fellow neighbour out.

Donate Items You No Longer Need: Every month, I like to do a big clear out and see what I have got and what I may need or don’t need anymore. Whatever I don’t need I will always either place onto Vinted for someone else to love or give to my local charity shops. I used to volunteer in my local Mind shop and seeing how vital donations are has really stuck with me. A clear out of your clothes or home is not only good for the soul but it is good for the world around us too. 

Listen To All: It is the most simple thing that you can do to help others. Spending a bit of time getting to know someone or to listen to them talk about their day can be one of the nicest things you can do. There are so many people who are or feel alone in this world and spending just 300 seconds talking to them or even just giving them a smile can make them feel less so. I have decided to run an afternoon tea session with a local charity to help older members within my area to be able to make new friends, get out and about and have fun. You are never too old or too unable to listen to someone lovelies. 

Simple things can make a whole world of difference and little acts like the ones above are proof of that. I would not be able to function each day without the kindness of strangers and I am sure many of you feel the same. From the checkout person in our local supermarkets to the cuddles from a cosy pet, they really mean something and they can be done in no time at all! 

Joey X