This July, a local charity is encouraging individuals and communities to take part in acts of kindness, in association with Liverpool Bid Company.
On Friday, 18th July 2025, Mandela8 will commemorate the life and work of Nelson Mandela on Mandela Day, under the theme of ‘Kindness. Communities. Change’.
The annual celebration remembers Nelson Mandela’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation, promoting the idea that everyone has the ability to make an impact and do something in their own way to change the world and the world of those around them.
Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8, said:
“We want to see as many individual acts of kindness all across the city, ideally on Friday 18th July or in the week leading up to Mandela Day itself. In previous years we’ve had people getting involved in litter picks, volunteering, reaching out to elders in their community, and putting on the likes of charity coffee mornings, fundraising raffles and quizzes.”
Mandela8 are also holding a free guided walk starting at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre in L8. With a special emphasis on the experiences of the area’s Black community, the walk will also provide a series of links to online videos, podcasts and websites that enable those taking part to gain a deeper comprehension of the history, heritage and culture of the area and the people who have settled there.
The walk will be guided by Robert Awork Jr, a lifelong inhabitant of L8 and a witness to the uprising of 1981; his working life has been focused on activism in the areas of arts, culture, youth work and community development.
To book a free place on the walk, those interested can do so via Eventbrite.
For ideas on what you can do as an act of kindness, please go to the Mandela8 website and don’t forget to tag Mandela8 when posting online about your Acts of Kindness. Please use the hashtag #Mandela8AoK so the charity can see all your fantastic ideas.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Litter Picking – take part in – or help arrange – a litter pick for your local area or community group.
Chalk a Design or Quote – chalk colourful floral designs or patterns, or write an inspirational Mandela quote in a park or on a pavement in your community.
Plant for Mandela – whether it’s a new tree in your community, a plant in your garden, or some veg on your window sill.
Cake and Coffee Morning – arrange an event in your workplace or community to celebrate diversity through talking and learning about Nelson Mandela.
Raffles & Quizzes for Charity – arrange a raffle or quiz to raise funds for a charity of your choice.
Walk and Talk – plan a walk for staff, community members or with friends.
Foodbank Donations – gift food items to your local foodbank.
Digital Aid – help an elderly friend or relative learn how to use emerging technology which could help them in their life.
Lockdown Pen Pals – write a letter to someone who is living alone or in a care home.
Volunteer with the Friends of Princes Park or the Friends of Princes Avenue and find out how you can make a difference in your community.
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