On the 13th of November, it’s World Kindness Day. The idea of ‘being kind’ to others probably isn’t something we think about a lot; it’s been a long time since we were all taught to share our colouring pencils in primary school, and now for the majority of us kind actions are not something we actively think about, rather something we do naturally. However, whilst most of us might do small acts of kindness for others, most people experiencing homelessness don’t receive this kindness.

So why is it important? Why does being kind to people, and having kindness shown to you, matter?

There is a lot of science to suggest both sides have significant positives for individuals. Studies indicate those who received kindness more often were more satisfied with their lives and less likely to experience mental health issues and loneliness. Furthermore, those who reported being kind more often reported better wellbeing and higher life satisfaction. We all know how little acts of kindness can make us feel better, or brighten up our days.

So how might we do that for those experiencing homelessness?

They are often not shown much kindness. Despite people walking past them throughout the day, most passers-by do not look at or even acknowledge them. This increases feelings of loneliness and isolation they may already be experiencing as a result of their situation. Equally, one of the leading causes of homelessness is family breakdown, meaning people may have lost loved ones or fallen out with close relatives or partners. As a result, many of those who are homeless have very few people in their lives, be that friends or family, who they can talk to or ask for help from.

As you walk past someone who is homeless, it’s likely you’re not ignoring them. Many people notice them and feel guilty or concerned for that person, but may not know how best they can help. So here are a few ways you can show kindness to someone who is experiencing homelessness:

• Offer them a hot drink or some food
• Stop and have a chat - even a friendly “hello” or “how are you” can make someone feel seen and less isolated
• Offer a blanket or warm clothes
• Report their location to StreetLink - this will send someone from a local homeless provider to help them
• Donate to a homeless charity

These are just a few examples of small things you can do to show kindness towards people who do not experience it often. Unlike the kind things we do often - thanking someone for letting you out in traffic or smiling at a coworker - these acts of kindness do not come so naturally for most people. So keep them in mind and next time you see someone who is homeless, stop to think: Can I do something kind for that person?