In 2020, we found that 63% of UK adults agree that when other people are kind it has a positive impact on their mental health, and the same proportion agree that being kind to others has a positive impact on their mental health.
Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference. We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.
Kindness research briefing
Kindness can have real benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. In April of 2020, the Mental Health Foundation worked with YouGov to conduct an online survey of 4,246 UK adults.
Read the report
Why kindness matters in public policy
In policy-making, kindness has tended to be dismissed as irrational and sentimental. However, given its importance to our wellbeing, policies affecting our mental health should not ignore kindness.
Read the policy briefing
Kindness matters guide
This guide gives you tips on how to bring kindness into your life. We will look in more detail at volunteering, doing something for a good cause and acts of kindness.
Learn more
Random acts of kindness
Take action and carry out a random act of kindness for someone else.
Find out more
Podcast: Kindness matters to our mental health
In this podcast episode, we talk to you about why kindness matters and how it is central to our mental health.
Listen now
Why did we pick kindness as the theme?
Why kindness is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020.
Find out more
Kindness stories
Below are a few stories from some of our lovely supporters on the acts of kindness they experienced or shared with others during the campaign.
You can also watch our short video where our supporters share why kindness matters and what kindness means to them.
