Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference – that’s the message from a new campaign being launched in Ceredigion today, Friday 17 July.
Similarly to Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, Connect to Kindness in Ceredigion aims to create more understanding about the benefit and impact of kindness to ourselves and others in our community. It is based on an intergenerational approach that fosters and nurtures connections to alleviate loneliness and isolation prevalent in many of our communities.
The campaign flourished from a programme developed across the region within the Healthier West Wales Transformation Fund. The regional campaign has been developed by three West Wales Counties; Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. Also, the Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire Associations of Voluntary Services, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Public Health Wales and the West Wales Care Partnership.
Councillor Catrin Miles is the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Schools, Lifelong Learning & Skills, Support and Intervention. She said, “This campaign will celebrate and encourage more of the fantastic work and deeds of kindness that individuals and groups have shown in our communities across Ceredigion.”
Councillor Catherine Hughes, Cabinet Member for Porth Ceredigion, Early Intervention, Well-being Hubs and Culture, said, “We all have something to offer, something that can make a difference to others around us. One act may seem trivial to us, but could make the world of difference to a person who is feeling isolated.”
Cyra Shimell, Community Connector Plus for Ceredigion County Council, said, “Ceredigion is full of people already carrying out kind deeds every day – this is a chance to celebrate that, and encourage more people of all ages to join and reap the benefits.”
Rebecca Evans, Senior Public Health Officer from Public Health Wales, said, “Scientific studies have shown that simple acts of kindness make a big difference to wellbeing and that kindness is good for you.”
As part of the campaign, the regional partners will be developing stronger community networks in order to create an environment where acts of kindness can flourish and happen more easily.
You can sign up and make a pledge here. The Ceredigion Connect to Kindness is available here. You can also join the Facebook page by searching for: 'Cysylltu â Charedigrwydd Ceredigion – Connect to Kindness Ceredigion'.
For more details on Connect to Kindness, contact Cyra Shimell, Community Connector Plus at 01545 574200 or cyra.shimell@ceredigion.gov.uk
Share the message, as it all starts with one person, YOU!
17/07/2020