The week 18 to 24 May is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is kindness.

To celebrate the week, Barking and Dagenham Council are asking residents to share examples of acts of kindness that they have received or shown to and from others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Right now, it is so important that people focus on their mental health and wellbeing. In these uncertain times many people are feeling anxious or stressed and worried about family or friends as well as being lonely and isolated.

Research has shown that kindness and helping others is good for people’s mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, develop a sense of community and deepen solidarity.

During the pandemic, there have been so many acts of kindness within the community which has helped to provide support and give hope to others. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the council is asking residents to share their stories about acts of kindness that they have received from friends, neighbours or perhaps a local business or organisation.

Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration said: “Now more than ever, it is important that we look after our mental health and wellbeing and I think this year’s theme of ‘Kindness’ to mark Mental Health Awareness Week is fantastic. It not only encourages us to help and support others, but it will benefit our own emotional health.

“I know that in our community, there have been so many examples of kindness and people in the community pulling together to support each other.

“We want to celebrate the amazing goodwill that we have in our community and encourage residents to share their stories of kindness, no matter how big or small.”

Residents can share their stories on the council’s Facebook page and twitter @lbbdcouncil using the hashtag #mentalhealthawarenessweek. They can send a picture or video telling us their story so we can celebrate these acts of kindness.