YMCA Together is encouraging people from across the city to spread kindness for the launch of its latest campaign.
In line with the award-winning charity’s values, aims and ethos, the project will see its service users, staff and members of the public decorating stones of all shapes and sizes with words of encouragement or inspiring illustrations. They will then be placed in different locations for other people to find with the intention of brightening someone else’s day.
If spotted, YMCA Together is hoping people will share their finds on social media using the hashtag #kindnesstogether and tagging @YMCATogether.
YMCA Together’s Chief Executive Ellie McNeil said:
“At YMCA Together, we are driven by our core values of Strength, Humility, Respect, Empathy and Kindness, and our city embodies all of these. This project is an open invitation for anyone who wishes to become part of a collective and use their creativity to spread positivity in spaces across Liverpool. After a difficult few years for many, we wanted to remind people that we are here if anyone needs us and that community spirit is in abundance right on our doorstep.
“Our hope is that the project will bring people enjoyment and encourage creativity and imagination and we see this as an entertaining activity that will raise awareness about the importance of being kind. We’d like as many people as possible to get involved, whether it’s with their families, friends or groups.
“Our first set of stones can already be found around the city centre but it would be brilliant to see just how far we can get with this and how many communities and areas we can reach. “
People who wish to contribute can source their stone by whatever means works for them, whether that be a local beach or park, and decorate them using any materials that are accessible, including pens and paints.
Ellie added: “For 176 years we have been a safe space for people who are in need of our services. The kindness stones campaign will cement our values and be a physical reminder that there is always help available if needed. We provide more than 100,000 beds annually and will continue to support our communities in as many ways as possible. People are at the heart of our charity and will always be at the forefront of what we do.”
Awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City in its 175th birthday year last November, YMCA has been a sanctuary of safety and a beacon of light and hope for the past two centuries. Working to support people who are vulnerable, in need, lonely, isolated and overlooked, YMCA Together was also named the best charity to work for in the UK 2022 by Best Companies.
