Catherine’s story

Paul’s story

Paul’s story is about finding yourself on the frontline of response to what would become a global pandemic.

It’s about stepping up from behind a desk to building hospitals in car parks, to not being able to hug your own children, to the dread of the invisible poison you’re bringing back to your own home, from having to strip on your own doorstep before entering, to fending off the local vipers trying to prove it's all a joke and an illusion. To seeing death, pain and suffering first hand, to being frozen and fearful and overwhelmed. No respite, little support, constant.

It’s also about how humans can step up in the most challenging circumstances, how a community can rally round and make what’s needed, it’s about the sacrifices people make in caring for others and the positive difference we can make when the rules are thrown out and we have to trust our gut and instinct to do the right thing, working dark to dark, in the valiant pursuit of saving others.

Reflection

Paul hadn't realised how much was still unprocessed. It was good to talk.

Response to Paul's story

Dark to dark image and song

We Are Humanz · Dark to dark

Fancy joining in?

Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone’s story is valuable.

Share some stories from your life with a view to encouraging others by sharing the ups and downs of your journey, with opportunities to join in with some creative responses if you want to!

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Find out more about Acts

Tell us your story Mariana

Tell us your story

Mariana’s story

Mariana’s story is one of travel and discovery from Chile the USA to the UK and beyond.

It’s about marrying across cultures in Santiago after meeting her partner in London, and living at distance from family. It’s about what we miss when we leave our home.The spices and flavours, and the way Chilean people invite others into their homes to share food and live life, and the things we hold dear that we have to let go.

Tell us your story logo It’s also about what we discover when we arrive in a new place. About bringing some of your culture with you and keeping it alive for your family, and having a need to create, express and connect, and the challenges of finding the way, and a space to do that.

As we reflected on her travels and adventures there was a realisation that she is at peace here in the UK with her family and her hopes and dreams for the future.

Reflection

‘It felt great to be able to talk about my self with just the aiming of getting to know me better. It refreshes, in my mind and heart, who I am and where I come from’.

Wisdom

‘I will always give it a try or choose the new, the unknown, no matter how scary it would make me feel, above a quiet and steady world. I am not afraid of change (it actually lures me in).’

Creative response to Mariana’s story

Star of creativity and sharing in Chilean colours by Richard

We Are Humanz · To Santiago

Fancy joining in?

Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone’s story is valuable.

Share some stories from your life with a view to encouraging others by sharing the ups and downs of your journey, with opportunities to join in with some creative responses if you want to!

Find out more

Find out more about Acts

Activities and events, Kindness and individuals, Kindness and organisations

Coronavirus Support April 2020

We wanted to say a massive thank you to all our supporters. We have been doing our best to spread kindness throughout this pandemic, and will continue to do so.

Since the start of April, Acts has carried out 25 one off acts of kindness spending just under £2000, and are shopping regularly for 9 people who are isolated, but can afford the cost.

Here are a couple of stories:

A gentleman diagnosed with prostate cancer who lost his home and partner at the of end last year, is on minimum wage and has been told to go off sick He has just got a HA flat but has no furniture. We have funded a washing machine for him.
A food voucher for a lady who was ‘in between’ jobs and her new contract was cancelled.
A laptop for a lady who needed to do virtual counselling for her mental health, and to stay connected with friends. She is now one of our amazing volunteers helping us with shopping.
A lady in hospital on chemotherapy struggling with self- image received a pamper box to cheer up her day.
Asda vouchers for a Romanian family who are unable to work, or access benefits with limited English. She is now helping us to support other families.
Shopping for a gentleman who has zero white blood cells due to his cancer treatment that has been stopped. He is too scared to even go for a blood test.
Plugs and multi head phone chargers for Arrowe park hospital so patients who are rushed into hospital can stay connected with their loved ones
Amazon vouchers for the winners of a ‘best window’ competition in Hawarden

Next Steps

Working with local foodbanks, churches and councils to ensure people who need food and have no money can access it
Recruit more volunteers to do shopping trips for people isolating
Keep fundraising so the money doesn’t run out

So Thank you and keep spreading kindness 😊

Thanks again for your time!

Refer someone to us for a little kindness!

Do you know anyone who would benefit from a bit of practical support or a small gift to help them on their way?

REFER SOMEONE. YOU'RE DOING A GOOD THING!

Advocates who refer people to us, Kindness and individuals, Kindness and organisations

Toni continues to work with Acts to help spread kindness to her patients

“I have used the Acts service multiple times over the last 12 months for patients under the care of our team.

The patients who have received an act of kindness have been in the last months of life and have been at a very low time of their lives. I will forever remember the smile on a 26 year olds face who was able to share something as small as having a pamper session with her sister for one last time before she passed away. This act of kindness enabled family members to have happy memories in a time of darkness. I have been privileged to be able to deliver these acts of kindness to many patients and hope to deliver them to many more. An act of kindness really can improve someone’s day.”

Toni Arrow Park Hospital

It’s been an honour to work with Toni in giving her a way of doing a good thing and make a small difference to the people in her care.

Sonia Acts