Reconnect with kindness

Ideas on little things you can do to make a difference to others and examples from our Broxtowe community.

young boy say outside with his rainbow drawingSmall acts of kindness can make the world of difference to you and the person you have helped. Practicing kindness towards others can have a profound effect on our own mental health.

Inspirational ideas

The pandemic has seen our local community pull together to support each other in a way which has made us all proud to live and work in Broxtowe. Here are just a small handful of our local heroes who went above and beyond to support each other during the first lockdown. 

Friendships bloomed

Tenants at Cloverlands Court have come together in a socially distanced way to rejuvenate their beautiful garden for all tenants to enjoy.  “It’s been great to have a project to focus on during this challenging time. We’ve brought the garden back to life and are proud of what we’ve achieved. Since lockdown, friendships have bloomed, as we’ve had more time to get to know each other. We now have nicknames, Monty Don, Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh”.

Funds were raised

After his local club’s annual plans for a sponsored 10K run were postponed, Surinder Rai didn’t let it stop him. Instead, he ran 10K three times a week to raise funds for the NHS. His fellow members at the Indian Community Centre for Over 50s Club spurred him on by texting and keeping in touch remotely to encourage him to keep going.

Macy Walker painted pebbles to collect donations for both the NHS Charities Together and the Broxtowe Community Appeal. Over £18,000 was raised for the Broxtowe Community Appeal thanks to resident donations, fundraising activity and donations from local businesses.

Thank you for helping us to raise over £18,000 to support these and other voluntary groups to continue their work helping local people.

Messages of support

We were so impressed with the young talent and support from our younger residents with their amazing Rainbows of Hope that cheered up our key workers, as well as other residents when out for their daily exercise. Thank you to all the children across Broxtowe! Many of our Council Officers also received thanks for the work they were doing, including our Bin Men, who were overwhelmed by the number of thank you cards and pictures they received.

One of our employees had the great idea to create a flower bed tribute to the NHS to say thank you for their hard work during the response phase of the pandemic and now.

Mutual aid

Community and mutual aid groups quickly sprang into action to support those who were self-isolating or shielding in every part of Broxtowe.

Green Futures LogoBeing kind to the environment

It’s not just people we can be kind to. There are so many ways you can show kindness to the environment, from double checking if items are recyclable and putting them in the right bin to picking up stray litter (please make sure you wash or sanitise your hands after). If you can walk or cycle instead of drive, this will reduce your carbon footprint. Shop locally to reduce freight use. These actions help us reduce our emissions and waste. Be kind to nature and the planet this winter.

You don’t have to be a scientist to help nature this winter, why not do some wildlife species counting in Broxtowe from your window or whilst on a walk. Help out the RSPB with their species monitoring and do your bit for nature.

www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/do-a-wildlife-survey/ (Opens in a new window)

The Wildlife Trusts have some great activities to help you and your friends and family learn more about nature. Be extra kind to wildlife this winter and build a bug hotel or bird feeder. Make your garden, patio, balcony or windowsill into a haven for creatures looking for food or a home.

www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/activities