CALL OUT: Share your random acts of kindness and help make the world a nicer place

October is mental health month,  and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is prompting staff and the community to submit photos of their random acts of kindness.

Photos and text descriptions of the acts of kindness will be featured right here on The Pulse and WSLHD’s social media channels.

WSLHD executive director mental health services Beth Kotze said simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.

“A small and kind gesture, either planned or spontaneous, should become a regular part of our lives,” Beth said.

“Helping others is not only beneficial to the recipient’s mental health, but our own too.

“It can reduce stress and improve our overall wellbeing.”

Here are a few simple suggestions of ways you can make someone’s day this Mental Health Month:

• Thank someone – like the barista at the coffee shop or a fellow colleague (take a selfie with them!)
• Offer to help when you see someone struggling to open a heavy door, or an elderly person trying to cross the street
• Pay someone a compliment
• Reach out to someone going through a difficult time and offer to listen
• Send an “I appreciate you” email to someone who never would expect it

So get creative and submit a description or photo of your random act of kindness to WSLHD-thepulse@health.nsw.gov.au or contact us on our Facebook page.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support please call Lifeline 13 11 14, MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78, or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. For mental health services phone NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.