Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 explores the theme of Kindness, so we asked Guild nurses and office teams to share acts of kindness they have received and given during the current pandemic.
My Grandparents are both in their late 80s. As they are shielding, I have been unable to see them for over 2 months, and they are not allowed to have any visitors. So I posted them a ‘Thinking of You’ card. They really appreciated it and said it brought of ray of sunshine to their day. I can’t wait to give them a massive hug when all this is over
Karen ROI team
I’ve received some beautiful flowers from my sister and friends. It’s completely overwhelming because it’s such an unsettling time and people obviously realise how scary it is at times to go to work! Although it’s an overwhelming and scary time, it is a job I trained for and I’m proud to be able to help. Stay safe everyone.
Annette, Guild Nurse
The neighbours in my street come out and clap every Thursday. They had candles in the windows for International Nurses Day. They have cut the grass in the street, planted flowers around our trees, and wrapped solar lights around the trees so they all light up at night. It really is so up-lifting and makes you feel appreciated.
Ian, Guild Nurse
I haven’t been home to see my family since xmas! We’ve been doing little things like regular group calls and sending each other surprise “care packages” containing chocolate, books and pamper items like facemasks to help cheer each other up. I sent a little parcel to my brother’s girlfriend as she was stuck in college in Holland, away from her family and it seemed to cheer her up! I sent my elderly neighbours from home a postcard to let them know I was thinking of them and my brother has been checking in to see if they need anything every week. I think making people feel like they’re still part of a community is so important at a time like this.
Ashling ROI team
I’ve been promoting people’s physical and mental health (whilst raising money for Charlie House, in Aberdeen). I set up #challenge33 to promote 33 minutes of exercise, chill time or anything really. Challenge yourself and donate £3.33 to the charity. I’ve also made a video for International Nurses Day to allow the team to express how they feel and have a memory to hold. It reminds us how much of a family we are.
Lindy, Guild nurse
My landlord rang to check on us to see if we were struggling to pay rent and make sure we were ok. It was such a heart-warming call. I also wrote handwritten notes to my neighbours with positive words and to call me for anything, which led us to becoming friends and starting a WhatsApp group. They keep the noise down during the day so I can rest for night shifts and even offer to go shopping for me. People have warm hearts.
Sajini Guild Nurse
Remember while it helps our mental health to give or receive acts of kindness, it is also important to take care of yourself. Check out our blog on self-care.
