What do people usually send for #KindnessByPost?
In the past people have sent: Handwritten letters, teabags, poetry, recipes, seeds, book recommendations, pirate treasure maps, origami, delicate illustrations, song lyrics, folded fortune tellers, favourite quotes, uplifting phrases for difficult times, rainbows, lockdown tips and hacks, silly over-the-top cheesy encouragement, a favourite mathematical equation (!)
People often do homemade cards for #KindnessByPost as these feel really personal and are particularly special to receive. But you don’t have to make something yourself — there really is no pressure. The important thing is to send your best wishes. An ordinary piece of paper, a pen and a little bit of thoughtfulness is all you need!
A few things to remember:
- There’s no need to send gifts. Your words are precious enough — and we don’t want to create an arms race of generosity! If you’re able to spend some money to support this project, we’d be incredibly grateful for a donation instead (you can give here).
- Don’t send corporate materials. This is not the right place to promote a business or organisational project.
- No proselytising please.
- Please use an envelope and write #KindnessByPost on it to remind the person why they are receiving it.
- Spread the love by sharing videos and pictures of yourselves making/posting/with your cards and letters on social media. Use the hashtag #KindnessByPost and tag us, were @MHC_UK on both Twitter and Instagram :)
Savour the sending!
Get yourself a nice cuppa and find a quiet spot. Take some time to chill. This is a moment where you can focus on doing a small thing for someone else — but it’s also a moment just for you. Sometimes people worry that the card they send isn’t ‘enough’. But the overwhelming majority of people who receive cards say they feel touched and lifted up, even when they receive something quite simple. When you send a message that’s from your heart, it’s impossible to go wrong!
Thousands have already taken part, you can click these links (in blue) to see what they’ve posted on the #KindnessByPost hashtag for inspiration, even if you don’t have an account for Instagram / Twitter
Trust in your efforts being appreciated
It’s a bit like putting a message in a bottle out there, while you won’t hear back from the person you send to, know that each time we run an exchange we are blown away by people sharing with us just how meaningful they found what they received, and how deeply moved they have been by the kindness of the stranger who sent the cards. Here’s just a small sample of messages:
