Be inspired by small acts of kindness
Little pledges that go a long way
Smile
Research shows that smiling makes you – and others – feel better.
Write a letter
Take some time to write a letter or send a card to someone who will appreciate receiving it.
Take some time to listen to someone else
Lend an ear to a friend in need.
Be kind online
Screens have become our lifelines over the last year. They have kept us connected, informed and entertained, but we just need to remember that on the other side of the screen is another human being. Make the internet a safe, respectful place.
Start talking
‘Starting a conversation each day in your neighbourhood can be a radical act of community service.’ (Jo Cox Commission)
Check in on a neighbour
For people struggling with loneliness, small contacts with the people around them can make a huge difference to their health and happiness.
Phone a friend
Phone a friend or relative you haven’t heard from for a while – catching up with people shows them how much you care, and it’s wonderful to have a good old natter.
Be happy to chat
‘… once people do start talking and remember how good it feels, it is contagious.’ (Jo Cox Commission)
Pledges for when you have more time
Get connected
Here’s to a future where we can connect in person again, as well as virtually. Spend a while making up for lost time with those you care about, and share your small acts of kindness at #YourCalke
Never stop learning
Learning is a great workout for the brain: join a club, take a night class or teach yourself a fun skill. You’re never too old to try something new!
Make one extra
Double your baking batch and share the joy with friends, family or neighbours – it might just make their day.
Look after your wellbeing
Research tells us that there are 5 Ways to Wellbeing: connect with others, be active, take notice of the small things around you, keep learning, give some support to someone else (New Economics Foundation 2008).
Invite a friend for a dog walk
There are lots of walks you can enjoy with your four-legged friend, at Calke or beyond. Find downloadable walks on the website, or pick up a park map at Calke.
Get your running shoes on
Running helps the mind and body, no matter how fast or far you go! Challenge yourself to a charity run and help a good cause while improving your own wellbeing.
Buy one extra
Treating yourself? Why not treat someone else, too? Little gifts lift someone’s mood and show them how much you care.
Donate a book
You can never have too many books, but if you’ve got some going spare, ask us about book donations for the second-hand bookshop. Every penny we raise helps us look after this special place.
Big pledges to make a big difference
Become a volunteer and help make society better
Volunteering isn’t just about the time and support you give to others; it’s that great feeling of helping someone else, which has a profound effect on your own wellbeing.
Human's best friend
Find our what your local animal shelter needs and donate some treats for our furry friends.
Donate food
1 in 5 of the UK population live in poverty. We’ve all had moments where we’ve struggled recently – why not lend a hand to those who need food and find out what your local food bank needs.
Make friends with someone who is being bullied
Our differences are what make us human. Getting to know different people from all walks of life can lead to lasting and meaningful friendships – you might just change someone’s life.
Invest in your friendships
Research suggests we should each nurture four ‘thick ties.’ Having four strong, positive and stable relationships in our lives is tied to our health and happiness (Jo Cox Commission).
Take action
Look out for your friends and family – you never know what’s going on in someone’s life, but there are lots of ways to help support their mental health. Go online to find mental health charities and help to bring light into someone’s life.