School children on the Isle of Man have this week been urged to spread the message of kindness.
On Tuesday Hospice Isle of Man celebrated World Kindness Day by giving each child a packet of love heart sweets.
The children were asked to share them with friends, family or anyone that they thought might benefit from an act of kindness.
They were asked to take photographs and use #compassionateiom when sharing on social media.
In addition Hospice Isle of Man supplied 500 shoppers and suppliers with random acts of kindness provided by over 40 local businesses across the Island.
Acts of kindness included free items such as coffee and cake, discounts on products and free giveaways.
These were complemented with Hospice pin badges and information postcards which explained what the initiative was all about and how the recipients could share their story.
Hospice staff, volunteers and patients were given World Kindness Day Cupcakes, which were created by Butterfingers Cakes and sponsored by a local business.
Visitors to Hospice were asked to leave messages of kindness on a wooden tree in the Hospice reception.
The Strand Street Hospice Shop also had a World Kindness Day photo booth in their window for the day.
Anne Mills is the Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man – she said: “In September 2019 Hospice Isle of Man, along with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Council of Voluntary Organisations launched ‘From Vision to Reality’, the Island Plan for Integrated Palliative and End of Life Care 2018-23.
“Work stream two of the plan is all about strengthening the resilience of individuals and communities at times of crisis and personal loss through a culture of care and compassion.
“In order for this to happen we need to strengthen the natural support systems within the community, create new connections and build a dynamic network that offers compassionate care and companionship at the end of life.”
The Compassionate Communities project is being led at Hospice by Wendy Smith who said:
“We saw World Kindness Day as a great opportunity to get our community talking about compassion and kindness and have been delighted with the response that we have had so far.
“I would like to thank all of the local businesses, volunteers and schools for supporting us with these exciting initiatives as well as all of the students and gift recipients who have helped spread our message.
“By creating more compassionate communities you will help to increase the capacity of the care and support available to those in need meaning people within our community are supported to live independently for as long as possible.”
