Minister thanks Wales’s kind communities on Random Acts of Kindness day

On Random Acts of Kindness Day, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, sent a message of thanks to the thousands of volunteers and community helpers in Wales who have shown kindness to people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scientific evidence has shown that doing kind acts for others can have major positive impact on the helper, as well as the helped. Even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.

Jane Hutt, said:

“Right across Wales, throughout the floods and pandemic, people have shown kindness to those most in need of help. The stories of kindness and support that I have heard have been beautiful and heart-warming. Volunteers have given hope to their communities.

“Kind people have stood on doorsteps to speak to neighbours who would otherwise have spent days and weeks alone. Community groups have set up informal internet catch-ups for people whose families live far away. Charities have set up support groups to help care workers who have been working on the front line. Groups of neighbours have found valuable ways to work together, raising funds or making products to help the NHS.

“This kindness and effort has freed up local authorities, health and social care services to enable them to provide vital services to the most vulnerable people.

“I want to thank each and every one of you who has shown kindness to people in your communities in so many different ways. Through your ingenuity, you have made a real difference. Thank you for everything you have done.

“Please carry on exploring the positive ways you can support people in need, and make kindness the norm. Together, we can make our communities kinder, more connected, and stronger. Just remember to stay safe, and follow Welsh Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.”

Ruth Marks, Chief Executive of Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) said:

“People who spend any amount of their time doing things for others make a big difference, not just for those they help but for their own wellbeing too. Volunteers do not give their time to be thanked – but recognising how essential kindness is, is an important message for all of us.”