We've been sharing the lovely stories that we are being sent throughout Mental Health Awareness Week where the timely theme is kindness.

Our friends at Cyrenians have shared a range of stories with us, which you can read below. Firstly, though we would like to take the time out to acknowledge Ewan Aitken's, CEO Blog that you can read on the Cyrenians website.

#KindnessMatters, and there are many people who will not have access to the kind of support that sustained me in a period of difficulty. As we continue through this crisis and into the ‘next normal’, let us make sure that everyone gets the support they need to lead the life they want to live.

His message is powerful and helps us to remember that kindness is not only important during Mental Health Awareness Week, but should be carried forward to support our community in these uncertain times.

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There have been a number of quotes from those receiving support through the Cyrenians. This is what one person had to say upon receiving home-made meal deliveries:

“Absolutely brilliant, so friendly and kind. It makes such a difference . Been ill for some time. It’s as much the human contact as the food. When they come  you can’t see their faces, but their eyes are smiling, just seeing a human face, it’s a lifesaver”.

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Upon receiving Weekly Newsletter (themed around kindness and Mental Health Awareness Week) from the HMP Addiewell Visitor Centre:

 “Thank you so much for your newsletter, I really enjoyed reading it and it reminded me I’m not alone in this, I do speak to my friends about it but I don’t think they really understand, or maybe they think ‘he made his bed so he needs to lie in it’ he’s not a bad person he just made a mistake and he missed his wee boy’s first birthday because of it.”

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Upon receiving a Family Wellbeing Bag:

"The goodie bag is fantastic! ... off planting the broad beans and scouting out a place in the garden for the potatoes!! Thank you again"

Finally, we want to share that one member of the Cyrenians staff called up 75 older people and together they had wartime singalongs to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day.

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It is just great to see everyone working to be kind during these times. If you want to share your kindness story with us get in touch at thrive.edinburgh@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk