“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop
Random Act of Kindness Day offers a perfect reminder that kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference.
Whether it’s helping a neighbour or offering a simple gesture to a colleague, there are endless ways to spread kindness and brighten someone's day.
To mark the day, we’ve put together 20 ways you can get involved in activities to create a ripple effect of goodwill across our communities.
1. Help a neighbour
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how much we can impact those closest to us—like our neighbours. Offering a helping hand, whether it's helping them with a small chore or even just letting them know you’re there if ever needed, can mean the world. Perhaps if you’ve never met your neighbour, now is the time to say that first 'hello'?
Surprising a colleague with a warm drink during a busy shift can be a wonderful act of kindness. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you’re thinking about them and can provide a moment of pause. Are there other ways you can support them too? Maybe you can take some of their workload if you’re having a quitter spell; run an errand for them or support an activity so they can take a longer break? Small acts of kindness in the workplace can have a HUGE impact.
3. Call a friend for a chat
In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to connect with friends. A quick phone call to check in on someone could be exactly what they need. Even just a few minutes can lift someone’s spirits – and show them you care. A small act to pack a mighty punch.
Sharing a book that has inspired you or provided joy can be a simple yet thoughtful way to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s a novel, self-help book, or something educational, sharing a good book is an inexpensive gift you can give – especially if you can lend them your copy too!
5. Send a thoughtful message
A kind message can brighten someone's day—whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or family member. Take a moment to send a thoughtful note, expressing appreciation, encouragement, or just letting them know you're thinking of them.
6. Write a review to support a local business
Have you received excellent service from a local business? Why not take a few minutes to leave a positive review? It’s a great way to show appreciation and help them build their reputation! Plus, your words of support might encourage others to shop locally, strengthening your community.
If you're able, consider donating to a cause that’s close to your heart. Donating to Mersey Cares can help us do so much to support services across Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, bringing life to projects beyond what the NHS alone can provide.
You can see some of what we’ve made possible and also in our impact report. From resources to support people with dementia such as therapy dolls and wall murals to gifts and essential items for children and young people in care – there is so much we are able to do to support people across our communities to help improve their daily experiences and support their wellbeing.
A small donation can make a huge difference to someone in need, and it can inspire others to give as well.
8. Sign up to a charity fundraiser
Another great way to show an act of kindness is by signing up to a charity fundraiser. Whether it's a walk, run, or event you choose yourself, your participation can help raise awareness and much-needed funds for important causes. Our fundraising portfolio has so many events to choose from – from bucket list items such as a skydive or abseil to the NHS Big Tea in July and epic walking challenges, Snowdon at Night and the Yorkshire Three Peaks –great to enter as a team of friends or colleagues!
9. Volunteer your time
Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to give back to your community. Even just a few hours can have a lasting impact.
10. Babysit for a friend with children
Many parents juggle a lot of responsibilities and may have little opportunity to take some time for themselves. Offering to babysit for a friend can give them a well-earned break away from the challenges of parenthood. Whether it's for a few hours or a whole day, your time will be greatly appreciated.
11.Give up your seat
When you're on public transport or even at a crowded meeting, offering your seat to someone in need is a simple but powerful act of kindness. A small gesture that shows you care.
Our charity supports the amazing work of the ZSA and has recently funded its newly updated Suicide Awareness Training. The online training is completely FREE and takes just 20 minutes and can help you to start a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried out. The skills you will learn are so valuable and will enable you to know what to say and do if you ever need to support someone you care about.
Take the ZSA's newly updated training
Support us to further develop the ZSA’s work and fund more training resources: Our ZSA Appeal
12. Support an elderly person
If you have an elderly neighbour or person you know of, offering to do their shopping or other chore is an incredibly kind gesture. Giving your time could also mean staying for a cup of tea and a chat or even running them to an appointment.
13. Donate to a food bank
Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects many people, and donating to a food bank is a great way to help those in need. Non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice are always in demand and can go a long way in supporting others.
14. Become a ‘Friend’ of your local charity
Giving a regular donation to a charity close to your heart if you are able, can make a huge difference. By contributing regularly, you're helping create long-term, stable support to fund programmes, and support essential services.
Becoming a friend of Mersey Cares allows us to introduce new projects, enhance services and access advanced equipment or resources to better support our communities.
- £5 can help us buy an educational book to support looked after children with their emotions
- £20 can help a carer to be supported with their wellbeing through a coordinated activity
- £50 can help us fund a support group each month, such as the Young Onset Dementia Support Group with activities including memory games, quizzes, and special events
- £100 can support ZSA (Zero Suicide Alliance) to maintain their free online training to challenge stigma and raise suicide awareness nationally
Listening attentively shows that you value a person’s feelings and are genuinely interested in what they have to say. When people feel heard, it can provide them with emotional support, help them process their thoughts, and create a safe space for open communication. Sometimes, just being present and attentive can be more helpful than offering advice, as it allows the person to feel understood and respected.
5 further ways you can support Mersey Cares
17. Tell someone about our charity and invite them to our take a look around our website.
18. Read our impact report to learn more about what we’re about and how we are supporting mental health and community services across Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.
19. Follow us on social media – our charity is still relatively new and building our community – so a follow would be so appreciated!
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20. Share our social media posts! Once you've added us to your socials, please share our content! A like and a share can really help us to share our mission and let people know what we’re all about and how we’re supporting Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust