Young people spread kindness simply by ‘Looking out for each other’

A brand-new #SpreadTheKindness campaign is set to launch across West Yorkshire and Harrogate on Monday 13 September. This is an exciting new phase of the ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ community campaign that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic inspired over 49,000 people to get involved by making a positive difference to their neighbours’ lives through acts of kindness.

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) #SpreadTheKindness campaign aims to reach young people aged 15-24 years living, in education or working across the area.  WY&H HCP have been working with young people over recent months to make the idea become a reality.

The mental health and wellbeing of young people has never been so important. The impact of the pandemic on young people’s lives is what inspired this campaign as it sets to inspire kindness.

WY&H HCP are encouraging organisations or support services working alongside young people to be a supporter and download a digital resource pack at: ourneighbours.org.uk/eachother

This brand-new phase four of the campaign was renamed ‘Looking out for each other’ broadening the original concept of ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ by the young people that came together to co-produce it and make it meaningful to them and their peers. 

September is a time of change for many young people, and #SpreadTheKindness will be there to help support and elevate them.

Saleem a young person’s campaign ambassador for #SpreadTheKindness said “I’m excited to be part of the team and helping make this as visible as possible. You can get involved by visiting the website ourneighbours.org/eachother. Sharing the campaign on social media will also be a great way to share the kindness as we know that’s where young people often spend their time.”

Charlee Brewsher, Strategy Manager for the Youth Work Unit - Yorkshire & Humber CIO said “It is great that young people’s needs and the support they give to each other and their communities is being recognised.  I hope that everyone feels able to get behind this campaign #SpreadTheKindness and continues to listen to and work with young people to explore and develop positive solutions on such important issues.”  

Dr Adam Sheppard, Chair of NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, and the urgent and emergency care programme board, said “Looking out for each other has never been more important. This is a real opportunity to help increase the connectivity and personal resilience of young people, factors that can have a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing.”

Beate Wagner, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services at Wakefield Council and Joint Senior Responsible Officer for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Children, Young People and Families Programme, said: “Partnership working across West Yorkshire and Harrogate is essential to achieve our vision and to improve outcomes for children, young people and families locally. Last year during the height of the pandemic young people raised many concerns including sleep issues, relationship problems, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing concerns. They have also shown through a number of campaigns over the last 18 months what they can do to support others. Supporting #SpreadTheKindness builds on this and is a chance for young people to do something for each other.”