On 17th February, people around the globe will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day. Whilst there are many days earmarked to many different things, Random Acts of Kindness Day is one of our favourites here at Simon on the Streets, as it celebrates and encourages everyone to spread more kindness, whether that’s at home, at school or at work.
There are so many ways in which you can achieve the ‘pay it forward’ mentality. Whether that’s letting someone ahead of you in the queue at the supermarket, calling in to see a friend, or simply offer someone a complement - every small act of kindness can make a big difference.
In this blog, we’re looking at how you can use Random Acts of Kindness Day to support the work we do as a charity. There are so many ways to give and support, and rest assured that there’s something for everyone.
Smile and say hello
We never tire of stating what we believe to be an obvious fact; those facing homelessness are not invisible. Very often however, they’re treated as though they are, by both the government and the general public.
One of the most vital things outreach workers do for the people they support is simply to talk and listen, and you can read more about why our outreach work is so important here. Those facing homelessness can feel incredibly lonely as they try to overcome the challenges that life has thrown their way. Having someone who will listen to them, free of judgement, and who can potentially provide help, can feel like a lifeline.
We know that in today’s busy world, it’s not always easy. But the next time you see someone who is sleeping rough, remind yourself that this is a person with their own story and their own experiences - not just a statistic. Give a simple hello, or, if you’re able, perhaps buy them a warm drink and a sandwich. Small gestures mean a lot. Alternatively you can donate £5 today which equates to a warm drink and a sanwich.
Challenge the stigma and raise awareness
There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes about homelessness out there, many of which are echoed by those in power. It will be a long time before any of us forget former Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s incredibly damaging labelling of homelessness as a ‘lifestyle choice’.
Those experiencing homelessness are facing stigma and judgement on a daily basis. Whether that’s around mental health, drug and alcohol abuse or race. Ultimately, these stigmas present nothing more than a barrier to change and progress, and serve only to cripple self esteem and confidence that’s already so fragile in the people we support.
When you think about it, education and learning can happen anywhere. If you hear a conversation that includes assumptions being made - perhaps amongst your friends or work colleagues - then feel free (if you feel secure in dosing so) to challenge that belief status quo, and raise awareness around the very many, and very real challenges being dealt with relentlessly by those facing homelessness. After all, nobody can really know what it’s like to be homeless until they’ve taken a walk in their shoes.
Join one of our fundraisers!
Random Acts of Kindness Day may just for 24 hours, but there’s no reason why your fundraising efforts should be. Whilst it might be a little less random, for your act of kindness, why not pledge to take part in one of out many fundraising events?
We have a number of charity places available for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the Leeds Half Marathon for example, as well a the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and Simon’s Big Sleep Out 2024.
If you’re a business, why not consider Simon on the Streets as your charity of the year? Or sign up to come along to one of our corporate fundraisers? You might also consider signing up for our flagship fundraiser Simon’s Big Sleep Out - keep your eyes peeled across our socials ready for details to be released!
Finally, never underestimate the power of individual giving. Maybe you’ll hold a birthday fundraiser instead of receiving gifts, or make a one-off donation on February 17th. Any amount will help us to help others.
When it comes to how you’ll celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, we hope that this blog has given you plenty of food for thought! If you’d like to know more about the work we do, or need more information about fundraising and donations, all you need to do is get in touch.
Have a lovely Random Acts of Kindness Day, and feel free to tag us in your posts so that we can celebrate the difference you’re making.Whether that’s letting someone ahead of you in the queue at the supermarket, calling in to see a friend, or simply offer someone a complement - every small act of kindness can make a big difference.
In this blog, we’re looking at how you can use Random Acts of Kindness Day to support the work we do as a charity. There are so many ways to give and support, and rest assured that there’s something for everyone.
Smile and say hello
We never tire of stating what we believe to be an obvious fact; those facing homelessness are not invisible. Very often however, they’re treated as though they are, by both the government and the general public.
One of the most vital things outreach workers do for the people they support is simply to talk and listen, and you can read more about why our outreach work is so important here. Those facing homelessness can feel incredibly lonely as they try to overcome the challenges that life has thrown their way. Having someone who will listen to them, free of judgement, and who can potentially provide help, can feel like a lifeline.
We know that in today’s busy world, it’s not always easy. But the next time you see someone who is sleeping rough, remind yourself that this is a person with their own story and their own experiences - not just a statistic. Give a simple hello, or, if you’re able, perhaps buy them a warm drink and a sandwich. Small gestures mean a lot. Alternatively you can donate £5 today which equates to a warm drink and a sanwich.
Challenge the stigma and raise awareness
There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes about homelessness out there, many of which are echoed by those in power. It will be a long time before any of us forget former Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s incredibly damaging labelling of homelessness as a ‘lifestyle choice’.
Those experiencing homelessness are facing stigma and judgement on a daily basis. Whether that’s around mental health, drug and alcohol abuse or race. Ultimately, these stigmas present nothing more than a barrier to change and progress, and serve only to cripple self esteem and confidence that’s already so fragile in the people we support.
When you think about it, education and learning can happen anywhere. If you hear a conversation that includes assumptions being made - perhaps amongst your friends or work colleagues - then feel free (if you feel secure in dosing so) to challenge that belief status quo, and raise awareness around the very many, and very real challenges being dealt with relentlessly by those facing homelessness. After all, nobody can really know what it’s like to be homeless until they’ve taken a walk in their shoes.
Join one of our fundraisers!
Random Acts of Kindness Day may just for 24 hours, but there’s no reason why your fundraising efforts should be. Whilst it might be a little less random, for your act of kindness, why not pledge to take part in one of out many fundraising events?
We have a number of charity places available for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the Leeds Half Marathon for example, as well a the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and Simon’s Big Sleep Out 2024.
If you’re a business, why not consider Simon on the Streets as your charity of the year? Or sign up to come along to one of our corporate fundraisers? You might also consider signing up for our flagship fundraiser Simon’s Big Sleep Out - keep your eyes peeled across our socials ready for details to be released!
Finally, never underestimate the power of individual giving. Maybe you’ll hold a birthday fundraiser instead of receiving gifts, or make a one-off donation on February 17th. Any amount will help us to help others.
When it comes to how you’ll celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, we hope that this blog has given you plenty of food for thought! If you’d like to know more about the work we do, or need more information about fundraising and donations, all you need to do is get in touch.
Have a lovely Random Acts of Kindness Day, and feel free to tag us in your posts so that we can celebrate the difference you’re making.