Why Kindness Matters

Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem. There is evidence to suggest that when we help others, it can promote changes in the brain that are linked with happiness. A further recent study identified the potential for acts of kindness to create a ripple effect, with almost half of those surveyed saying they gained more of a sense of community when witnessing someone else do a good deed and a third felt inspired to carry out their own.

• An estimated 1 in 6 adults have experienced a common mental disorder like depression or anxiety in the past week. Around 20% of children aged 7 to 16 had a probable mental health condition in 2023.

• Loneliness, social isolation, and living alone have all been associated with an increased risk of premature death.

• 16–24-year-olds are most likely to score their experience of loneliness at a high level

• People living in poverty find it harder to live a healthy life, live with greater illness, face barriers to accessing timely treatment, and die earlier than the rest of the population.

• People who contemplate suicide are experiencing intense emotional pain and may view suicide as a way to end this pain.