Six Ways to Celebrate Words

You could begin by Swapping your Favourite Books! 

Earlier this week the world marked National Literacy Day (8th September) so here’s some ideas for celebrating literacy. Maybe you could try swapping a favourite book with a friend, or joining a book club?! 

UNESCO first commemorated this day in 1966 as a reminder of the fundamental role of literacy in everyday life for individuals, communities and societies, and to tackle unequal literacy rates across the globe. 

Literacy includes the ability to both read and write and is a source of empowerment. The International Literacy Association stresses that being literate is linked with less poverty, lower early mortality rates, stronger economies, increased community involvement and improved personal wellbeing. This makes the UN’s targets to ensure all young people and adults have the opportunity to acquire literacy and numeracy essential. 

This past year has caused new barriers; access to literacy learning, particularly amongst adults, has been suspended or largely moved online. Lack of access to digital services and technology have exacerbated pre-existing issues of imbalanced literacy rates. According to UNESCO, over 775 million adults across the world are illiterate, two-thirds of this figure being women. 

We can’t be certain of the long-term impact of this past year and a half on literacy rates, but we do know that it’s more important than ever to encourage both children and adults to develop these skills. Why not join in and appreciate your own literacy by…

• Signing up for a library card. The best part? It’s free. 

• Sharing a book recommendation with a friend, or even better, swap your favourite books!

• Designing your own book covers or bookmarks.

• Taking part in a fundraising event to raise money for a literacy charity or donating books. This way you can get involved and help others.

• Re-reading a much-loved book or picking up a new one!

• Starting or joining a book club for people with similar reading preferences as you. 

Whichever way you celebrate the power of literacy, we hope you have fun and keep being kind!

Lucy

Educational Researcher

Be Kind Movement

It's National Read a Book Day!

It is ‘Back to School’ season and many of us (whether we are in school or not) feel that Autumnal pull to purchase a new pencil case and tap into some studious spirit. It is with perfect timing therefore that ‘National Read a Book Day’ comes around on the 6th September. Whilst this is celebrated across the pond in the US, we decided to take the excuse for some rewarding reading.

Particularly studious readers may take this opportunity to read a whole book in one day (ideas here)! However, for the majority of readers, including myself, it is reassuringly not the only way to participate in this literary landmark. This day could be the perfect excuse to return to an old favourite book which you could almost read with your eyes closed (mine is Pride and Prejudice). Or perhaps ask around your friends for a new recommendation and discuss over a nice cup of tea. Alternatively, take the chance to join a book club, either in person or online (Reese’s Book Club here) (Richard & Judy Book Club here). Whichever end of the introversion-extraversion continuum you are on, reading can be the friend you need.

Reading can not only be a sociable activity and pleasure, but it can also have powerful, practical purpose. A whole host of research has shown reading can improve writing, vocabulary, spelling and even test scores. Of course, there is more to reading, and life, than simply doing well in school. Reading fiction has been shown to reduce prejudice, improving perspective and attitudes towards stigmatized groups (research here). Here at Be Kind Movement, we are all about promoting kindness and emotional wellbeing. Reading can be a powerful tool for learning more about mental health and managing life’s challenges, be that for yourself, or to support others (reading list here).

I will conclude with some wisdom from one of my favourite writers. Matt Haig is both a wonderful writer and an important advocate for mental health. Haig describes the life affirming power of reading beautifully: “Every time I read a great book I felt I was reading a kind of map, a treasure map, and the treasure I was being directed to was in actual fact myself (Reasons to Stay Alive).”

Happy reading!

Amy, Educational Researcher at Be Kind Movement

Amy from Be Kind Movement

Things to Look Forward to in 2021 and Beyond!

With the UK being a few weeks into another strict lockdown, each worrying news story we read can make the current situation feel overwhelming. It’s important to try and keep a positive mental attitude to get through these difficult times together, and with that being easier said than done, we think it’s more important than ever to think about the future and some of the positive things we can look forward to in 2021 and beyond. 

Meeting up with friends and family
Zoom calls have been a blessing to so many people since the first lockdown in March 2020, but nothing can compare to socialising face-to-face with our nearest and dearest. There will likely still be restrictions for some time to come, but we cannot wait to meet up in person with our friends and family and make many more happy memories when it is safe to do so.

Lighter nights and warmer weather
As much as we love the cosy winter nights, by the time January and February come around we are fully ready for Spring to bloom and the nights to get lighter. More hours of daylight and warmer temperatures mean we can spend more time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons as flowers begin to bloom and trees flourish with shades of green. Difficult times just seem that little bit easier when the sun is shining!

Getting back to work and school 
For many of us, routine and purpose are the things that keep us grounded and stable in daily life, and while the furlough scheme has been an amazing support to so many people unable to work during the pandemic, many have unfortunately lost their jobs. We must stay positive and hopeful for the time where the economy will thrive again, employment will improve and furlough will be a thing of the past. We will get there. 

A big shout out to all of the parents who are homeschooling, remember you’re doing your best, the kids will get back to school and into a routine in the near future. And a massive THANK YOU to all of the amazing keyworkers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

Eating out in our favourite restaurants
Hospitality has been hit hard by the pandemic and many restaurants across the country have been forced to close for much of the past year. While some people have taken up home cooking as a new lockdown hobby, many are still looking forward to treating themselves to a lovely meal in their favourite restaurant. We are so lucky in the UK to have such a diverse mix of culture and food available, and not having to do the dishes is a bonus!

Going on holiday
Many of us have enjoyed discovering the beautiful scenery right on our doorstep recently, but we cannot wait to pack a suitcase and head off for a well deserved break away from home. With travel abroad so uncertain right now, you may wish to visit some of the stunning coastal towns or cultural cities in the UK. Maybe you’ve got plans for new destinations to explore once it’s safe to do so. Whatever your next holiday looks like, spending some quality time relaxing and having fun is what we all need right now!

The first live concert or show post-lockdown
The majority of live entertainment was cancelled indefinitely back in the first lockdown and has never resumed for many venues and events. Online and virtual concerts have given us that live music fix in recent months, however, there is simply no comparison to the atmosphere and buzz of being in the crowd at a live show. Remember dancing? It’s been quite a long time, but even with our slightly embarrassing, rusty dance moves, we’ll be the first ones on the dance floor when that delightful time eventually comes. 

Planning for the future
Many things in our lives have been put on hold for almost a year, but with advancements in Covid testing and the vaccine roll-out well under way, we can finally look to the future and begin planning for all the exciting times ahead. Whether you’re getting married, planning to travel, buy a house, or starting that new hobby you’ve always wanted to get into, it may still be a while off yet, but now is the time to start thinking about your goals and dreams for the future.

Whatever you’re looking forward to when restrictions ease, one thing is certain for us all, we will appreciate our freedoms so much more than ever before. That well known phrase - we don’t truly appreciate what we have until it’s gone - has never been more relevant. So be grateful for what you have now, for your friendships and relationships, and don’t take anything for granted!

If you would like to keep up to date with Be Kind Movement, subscribe to our
e-newsletter HERE.

For more positive content and kindness inspiration, head over to our YouTube channel.

Our #SmallBusinessStars Partners December 2020

Here at Be Kind Movement, we aim to promote the development of emotional intelligence skills in children and young people through the education of kindness. To achieve our goal, the continued collaboration with our partners is vital to raise awareness for our work.

Calmer is the official Wellbeing Partner for Be Kind Movement, and work closely with us to instil the importance of education and the impact of kindness, through training and joint projects.

As a renowned training organisation, they specialise in empowering entrepreneurs, freelancers and business teams through a range of digital products, such as, webinars, online memberships and training courses.

The award-winning company conducts training for individuals and businesses on how to manage mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While the Calmer Community online membership is designed to reduce stress, with 24/7 access to a host of wellbeing resources.

Never Forget Marketing is a marketing company that specialises in charity communications and branding strategy. Just as the name suggests, by making your brand visible and sustainable, current and future customers will never forget you.

Never Forget Marketing is the official Marketing Partner for Be Kind Movement. They offer a range of services such as brand imagery and guidelines, digital media marketing, staff training and effective communication solutions.

Kind Natured is a vegan-friendly beauty brand known for their commitment to creating gorgeous formulations blended with the best of nature. Their hair, skin and body care products are carefully produced to meet a 97% natural promise. Their affordable products are available to buy online, and offer delivery both within and outside the UK.

Kind Natured are our sponsors for our Christmas Cards delivered during Be Kind Movement’s Kindness At Christmas Campaign.

It may be a Christmas like no other this festive season, but it’s always a time for love and laughter, perfect for extending a gesture of kindness.

Could your business support us?

You can become our partner by joining our Small Business Star funding, a donation scheme for small businesses that wish to give back with a little kindness.

Here’s how…

We’ve teamed up with fundraising platform, Work for Good, who will be doubling donations in December, up to the value of £500 per business whilst funds remain.

From Etsy entrepreneurs to altruistic accountants, we're inviting your business to get involved in this festive fundraising opportunity. Join the Small Business Star match funding campaign and donate a proportion of your product’s sales or services and help us to raise vital funds.

Get involved and become a #SmallBusinessStar…

Step 1. Sign up for free at workforgood.co.uk referencing Be Kind Movement when prompted.
Step 2. Pledge a proportion of sales from your products or services, or a one-off Christmas donation to us, and share your fundraising campaign with your customers or clients.

Step 3. Once the donation has been paid through your Work for Good account, they will then double this up to £500 per business between 1st - 31st December, whilst funds remain. We will receive your generous donation and use it make a difference to children in the UK.

Even though the festivities may be a little different this year, we know that together we can make this a feel-good Christmas!

Thank you for your continued support from all of us here at Be Kind Movement.

Changing the world through kindness… one Itsy bit at a time

It has been truly moving to witness the array of kind gestures, actions and intentions that have taken place throughout the world during recent times. In the face of adversity, we’ve seen the true spirit of humanity shine through, and there is an abundance of research to highlight the mental, physical and emotional benefits of showing kindness to yourself and others.

This weeks post offers an insight into an organisation creating empowering change to spread more kindness in the world. They are doing this through the release of their film Itsy, their Be Kind School Programme and various other campaign initiatives to get the world thinking about the positive impact of kindness. This organisation is our charity partner, Be Kind Movement, and here their Founder and Director Premila Puri shares her kindness mission, alongside a fresh perspective on small acts of kindness we can all do.

---

We all have the power to make a difference

Founder of Be Kind Movement, Premila Puri

Kindness has been proven to increase our happiness, reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing. At the same time, spreading kindness offers us the opportunity to connect with others, building a stronger sense of community and unity with friends, family, neighbours and even strangers.

A great example of this is the #ClapForCarers campaign, which has seen people across the whole of the UK come together to show their appreciation for our key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This simple act of kindness lets all of those working on the front line know that their hard work and commitment is appreciated and of value, hopefully building up their spirits and boosting positive morale. Click here to read more.

Be Kind Movement - Laura's volunteering experience

As it is national Volunteers' Week, I wanted to share my experience of the volunteering I am doing at the moment. While everything at the moment seems so difficult in the world, I hope this is a positive reminder that kindness still exists.

Back in February, I went along to a 'speed networking' event organised by the Media Trust. The Media Trust connect charities and skilled communications volunteers, so marketeers like me can give back in a structured way. At the event, I 'matched' with several organisations and have since offered pro bono advice and support to six different charities all doing amazing work.

The seventh charity I began supporting, and continue to do so now, is the Be Kind Movement. Established by Premila Puri in 2015, the charity works hard to provide educational opportunities to empower children and young people to develop their emotional intelligence through acts of kindness. Click Here to read more on Laura’s experience volunteering at Be Kind Movement.

The 2.6 Challenge is happening!

On Sunday 26 April 2020, people across the country are coming together to take on the #twopointsixchallenge to help save UK charities. We are so excited to say we have some amazing fundraisers taking part on behalf of Be Kind Movement!

Everyone taking part makes our work possible. It means we can spread kindness more and survive during the Coronavirus pandemic. Thank you so much everyone and we can’t wait to to see what creative challenges you take on!

How to take part

The 2.6 Challenge can be any activity you like – from running 2.6 miles to holding an online workout with 26 of your friends!

Choose your #TwoPointSixChallenge, use the button below to start fundraising for your 2.6 Challenge, then complete your challenge. Good luck!

Visit the 2.6 Challenge!