Leading social housing association, Black Country Housing Group (BCHG) has participated in the 21 Acts of Kindness initiative launched by St. Michaels School in Rowley Regis.

The initiative, which was started through the school’s Student Voice, encouraged people to carry out 21 acts of kindness in the hope that this will then become a habit in their daily lives.

For 21 days, colleagues from Black Country Housing Group have been challenged to do one kind act each day, and to tick it off on their stamp card.

Collectively, BCHG gathered and donated 73 kilos of food to the foodbank, which is the equivalent of feeding three families or ten single people, and eight kilos of non-food items. Colleagues also donated 11 bags of work clothes for unemployed people on their journey back into employment.

Amanda Tomlinson, Chief Executive, Black Country Housing Group said: “Carrying out an Act of Kindness has been proven to be great for your own mental health and wellbeing. As well as others benefitting from your kindness, doing something for 21 days has also been said to then become a habit in your lifestyle.”

Over the 21 days, colleagues from BCHG managed to facilitate a food bank donation day, where each colleague brought in an item to be donated; and a donation to Suited for Success, a local charity that gives smart and professional workwear to homeless people and people who are unemployed and need suitable clothes for job interviews.

Colleagues from across the organisation, including head office, the residential care homes and Homeforce got stuck in to raise the profile of the campaign and to support each other and the local community.

Kerry Whitehouse, St. Michaels School Engagement Development Manager, added: “The #21AOK initiative promotes kindness and positive mental health which is so important in today's society.  We are often surrounded by negative news stories and can sometimes forget how simple gestures can make a huge difference to someone else's day.   Our students are passionate ambassadors of this campaign which we hope will have a ripple effect across the country.”

This initiative, carried out by employees at BCHG, has helped to boost morale in the team with everyone getting involved to raise funds for the cause. This comes in advance of stress awareness month, which will be running throughout April. Employees will once again be gearing up to help by arranging activities and events to generate awareness for the month, which BCHG will be supporting.