UoM 1824 Acts of Kindness Campaign by

Asked the team if they'd like to go out for drinks.

2024-06-03 10:57:28 UTC

pauladunn1 — 2024-06-03 13:04:18 UTC

I have asked colleagues who I do not see very often to attend a Bicentenary evening event.

I have held time in my teams calendar for us to take a break to get lunch from the street vendors during the Bicentenary Festival.

Thanked a colleague for their hard work

2024-06-03 13:57:02 UTC

A new member of staff joined our team recently and was lacking confidence but has tried so hard to work on our shared inbox, answering queries and trying their best. I made sure to thank them and post a message on our Teams group chat so others knew how hard they had worked.

Signed up to volunteer

2024-06-03 14:20:21 UTC

Signed up to volunteer with Manchester Pride next month at a local pride event

Volunteer

lisacarter5 — 2024-06-03 14:36:02 UTC

I volunteer at a local dog rescue at weekends

Helped a homeless man

2024-06-03 14:44:21 UTC

While walking home this afternoon I saw a homeless man outside a fast food restaurant. I bought a meal for him and a hot drink, his name was Terry and he was really grateful.

Volunteer at Parkrun

2024-06-04 10:54:16 UTC

I volunteer regularly on Saturdays at my local parkrun.

I'm trying to keep a ratio of 1:1 between parkruns run and parkruns volunteered!

Took a new member of the team for lunch

erikabuzinkwallis — 2024-06-06 10:28:04 UTC

We had a new starter in our team who was from outside UoM. I arranged for us to have lunch together to welcome them to the team and so that we could get to know each other a bit.

Arranged a Family Quiz to raise money for our primary school

erikabuzinkwallis — 2024-06-06 10:31:38 UTC

As a member of the PTA I spent a lot of my free time recently with other PTA volunteers to arrange and run our first Family Quiz since pre-Covid, we raised about £250 :-)

Plogging... slowly!

2024-06-07 19:42:20 UTC

I read about plogging which is litter picking while you jog. I don't jog but I can walk so I've started litter picking on my walk between work and the station. There's a little less litter fluttering about in the breeze now.

Universally Manchester Volunteer

2024-06-10 10:09:46 UTC

Responded to a last minute call for additional volunteers for the Universally Manchester Festival and spent a fabulous 5 hours helping out as well as connecting with colleagues I'd not seen for a while!

Helped a neighbour

2024-06-10 16:17:39 UTC

My mum has dementia and her neighbour, Sally, has supported her a great deal in recent years. Sally is unfortunately unwell and so I offered to sort out her food shop for her. Get well soon Sally!

Donated towards a funeral for a mum who had passed away in my local community

2024-06-10 19:06:07 UTC

It appears as though a mother in my local community sadly took her own life. She left behind her family, including two daughters - one of which is about to embark upon university studies (in business studies). This upset me that a whole family's livelihood has been massively affected by this loss of life, so I donated to the crowdfund towards funeral costs for the mother.

Donated birthday chocolates

2024-06-10 21:58:37 UTC

I've donated my birthday chocolates to my local Tesco food bank - my work colleagues will probably be glad of this too!

Baked a cake

2024-06-11 08:26:38 UTC

I recently baked a chocolate loaf cake for my awesome colleagues who have made me feel so incredibly welcome since joining the team late last year :)

I reunited a lost gosling with it's mother

2024-06-11 08:57:01 UTC

Committed to only buying pre-loved clothes for the rest of the year

katharinewright2 — 2024-06-11 11:03:03 UTC

And donating the money I would have spent to families escaping persecution and conflict.

Help with moving house

2024-06-11 11:03:21 UTC

I recently moved house and a colleague offered to help me navigate my new commute route into work. They showed me a couple of different routes which was a massive help to me.

Helped my neighbour

chaz79 — 2024-06-11 12:53:35 UTC

I helped my neighbour trimming his hedge. He is unable to do any physical activity due to back pains. He and his wife were very grateful.

Giving blood

2024-06-11 13:47:15 UTC

I gave blood for the fifth time - my donation has been sent to the Royal Preston Hospital. It's such a positive experience - I go to the donor centre at Plymouth Grove during my lunch break - you get a lie down and a biscuit and it feels great to give something back to our amazing NHS.

Drove a child from my son's class to school when their bus left without them

2024-06-11 15:18:41 UTC

It's good to talk

2024-06-13 08:57:06 UTC

Provided a listening ear to a colleague in need of someone to talk to

Finding their way

2024-06-13 14:54:46 UTC

I always help visitors and students to find their way around campus. And if I don't know the building they need I direct them to the Main Library front desk so the customer services staff can help them.

Baked a cake

2024-06-13 21:30:38 UTC

I baked a cake for my colleagues and we had coffee and cake after a very busy day

2024-06-14 09:29:25 UTC

Made my first contribution to local 'Free Art Friday'. When my kids were younger they loved finding these when out on walks.

Supporting Stories

2024-06-14 10:36:02 UTC

I don't usually give cash to people on the street, but I saw a young man with a writing pad - he said he was writing a story. Impulsively gave him him the tenner I'd just pulled out the cash machine because a) he needs it more than I do, and b) WE ALL NEED STORIES.

Made an appointment to give blood!

mwxssnjs — 2024-06-18 12:10:08 UTC

After reading these posts and being reminded, I finally signed up to give blood and have an appointment this week. :) Thank you to the person that posted it originally!

Giving clothes to people fleeing domestic violence

2024-06-18 12:22:57 UTC

I'm part of a social media group who give to women and children fleeing domestic violence. Just last week I sent bedding and nightwear to a young family

Support

2024-06-18 12:28:53 UTC

I sent a message to a colleague I knew was struggling saying 'I'm thinking of you, no need to reply'. Sending support with no pressure :)

Beautiful flower / vegetable beds

2024-06-18 12:35:30 UTC

I commented on the beautiful flower / vegetable beds behind Prospect House to a member of Estates and Facilities staff who was picking up litter at lunchtime. He thanked me and said he would pass it onto the relevant team.

Help with Directions

2024-06-18 12:35:57 UTC

This weekend, I helped a foreign elderly couple to find their way within Manchester. They haven't been to Manchester before and they had just got off the train at Deansgate Station and they were going to give their grandson a surprise birthday visit. Both had travelled from Germany and took the train to the city centre, both aged 70+ and their grandson lived at Deansgate Square, so I took them to the residential towers and guided them to concierge where they contacted the grandson and it was an emotional reunion. I was there to witness the joy and tears and also shared some cuddles with them.

Bedding and towels for kitties in Gorton

2024-06-18 12:39:04 UTC

I sorted out some bedding and towels for the wonderful lady on the Gorton Facebook site who looks after the strays in Gorton.

Donated to Palestine Children's Relief Fund

2024-06-18 12:46:24 UTC

I donated to support the Palestine Children's Relief Fund

Helped an elderly neighbour!

lisabarlowmoore — 2024-06-18 12:53:17 UTC

Me and two neighbours painted our elderly neighbours fence panels, she was delighted which made us happy too!

Supported fellow member of a networking group

diane_bennett — 2024-06-18 13:04:57 UTC

Kate had an interview for a job. She hasn't worked with a VLE for about eight years. I offered to give her a whistle-stop tour of Blackboard and Canvas so she could talk with more confidence about how a VLE might help with a L&OD type role.

Allowing myself to be consoled

2024-06-18 13:19:12 UTC

An act of kindness towards me: I often support my colleagues in the many and varied issues that cross our paths every day in our roles. It is rare that I have needed support myself. Until last week. I was struggling. To my surprise, my colleagues noticed. They allowed me the time and space to work through a difficult issue. When it was all over, they were there to support me to recover from that emotional journey. I feel truly blessed to work with wonderful people, and know they have my back. :-)

Babysitting offering

marianthyriga — 2024-06-18 17:13:58 UTC

My friend had a physio appointment to attend, and had no-one to leave her baby daughter with. I offered to go to her house so the baby was feeling at home, and entertain her for the couple of hours her mum would be gone. We had a lovely time and my friend could even pick up some shopping on her way back!

Moved a hedgehog off the road

2024-06-19 13:06:56 UTC

I found a hedgehog on the road last night so moved him to a woody park area where he was safe

Giving directions and a tour

2024-06-19 18:16:29 UTC

I bumped into a couple from Hong Kong who were lost looking for The University of Manchester around the old north campus. I gave them a mini tour and potted history of the University whilst walking with them and putting them on the right track.

Delicious Act of Kindness.

2024-06-20 10:49:48 UTC

A colleague brought in a home made cake to celebrate the birthday of the newest member of their team. After having a slice, the birthday person then offered the cake to other teams in the office. Really lovely.

P.s The cake was excellent!

Brew?!

2024-06-24 09:47:03 UTC

I've reached out to a colleague I've only ever met online, and worked with for over 3years, offering to buy him a brew this week as he's in Manchester. He said yes, and we'll meet face to face for the first time.

2024-06-25 07:41:52 UTC

Shared my lunch with a friend who had forgotten theirs

2024-06-25 07:42:28 UTC

Brought croissants in to give to my colleague for breakfast in the morning because I know she loves them

Supporting friend going through a though time

2024-06-25 09:22:33 UTC

I have been supporting a friend for the last few years struggling with the want of having another child, but currently being unable to. There is an almighty battle within herself that she has failed as a mother. Sadly there is no answer as to why she is unable to carry a child to term, so no closure for her. I have not been through what she and many others are and continue to go through, but just being here to talk to about it is helpful for her as she has some release.

2024-06-25 10:04:01 UTC

Took care of my new baby niece so my sister could have some much-needed time to herself.

Banana

2024-07-04 13:25:43 UTC

On my way into work last week I took my banana out of my lunch bag and left it for a lady who was sleeping on a bench in Brunswick Park

Litter picking while walking my dogs

2024-07-04 13:49:25 UTC

I walk my dogs twice a day and try to pick up litter as I go along. Unfortunately, some dog owners don't 'scoop the poop' of their own pets, so I also pick that up too - we live near a school and I don't like the thought of young children (or anyone else for that matter) stepping in it!

Pre-paying for a stranger's coffee

2024-07-04 15:36:46 UTC

When I was buying a coffee for myself, I asked the staff if I could also buy a random coffee so that if anyone forgot their money or just needed cheering up, they could use the one I had paid for

Sisterly Support

2024-07-05 09:01:05 UTC

My sister has struggled with her mental health over many years. She has been through some traumatic experiences and is currently unable to work. To help her along, I paid for her to go and see Robert Sheen in Withnail and I at the Birmingham Rep theatre.

I have also paid for her tickets to a trip to Goa later this year in the hope it helps on her road to recovery.

Volunteer for Age UK

Learning_OD — 2024-07-05 09:37:11 UTC

I want to give back to the older generation (I'm getting there myself!). I spend some time as a befriender, taking my current lady out for a cuppa and having a chat, and have regular phone calls in between.

Food donation

2024-07-05 11:23:47 UTC

When I pop into the supermarket for a few things, I always try to get a couple of items for the foodbank collection box.

Volunteering

2024-07-05 11:25:53 UTC

I’m now working part time at the University, so I volunteer in my community, helping to organise our annual 10-day arts and music festival in the summer and a programme of events through the winter.

Just asking

2024-07-05 14:31:52 UTC

Asking my colleague how their mother (not the person pictured) is doing, because I know she has just moved into a care home and they are very stressed. Too often we choose to avoid difficult subjects and talk about tasks instead, but life matters are often the elephant in the room.

Donating

2024-07-05 14:34:11 UTC

sponsored someone on the Peak district MacMillan hike

Whitworth Park

2024-07-08 11:58:06 UTC

As part of our away day our team helped to replace all the old sand in the sandpit at Whitworth Park. It was hard work but great fun and we all got to speak to people we wouldn't normally interact much with.

Neighbourly welcome

2024-07-08 16:19:42 UTC

Took a tray of teas, coffees (and beer) for the removal crew and new neighbours moving in next door to encourage them o take a break and welcome them :)

Satsumas, not cake

2024-07-09 07:37:16 UTC

I brought in satsumas for the team instead of cake to keep everyone smiling and healthy!

Graduation pictures

2024-07-10 08:22:05 UTC

I offer to take family pictures in the quad so everyone can get on the same photo.

Childcare

2024-07-15 12:33:43 UTC

A parent of a child in my son's class had to have emergency surgery. She sadly has no local support network, so we are having her son stay with us until she is back home and on her feet.

Helped a woman who fainted on the train

2024-07-17 10:12:03 UTC

I helped a lady who fainted on the train. It had happened to me a couple of months before and I knew how scary it can be. I know I was grateful for the stranger that supported me so I thought I'd return the favour.

Bus fare

2024-07-17 10:24:24 UTC

Paid for a disabled mans bus fare when he didn't have enough

Trying (unsuccessfully, so far) to help a new colleague integrate into the team

2024-07-17 10:32:26 UTC

We've got a new member of the team whom I'm working with on a couple of projects - I have been thinking how much harder it is for colleagues joining our team now we're in hybrid. I come onto campus 1-2 days a week and on some days it's /very/ quiet in the office. I wanted to help in some tiny way the social aspect of being in the office. So, a bit naively to be honest, I suggested moving our project meeting to a cafe so it was more social than purely work based. However the acoustics of the cafe we went to just meant it was more difficult to have a work chat, by the end of which my head was exhausted by the effort. This didn't work as I'd hoped in practice but it helped me figure out what might work better next time. Sometimes trying to do something for the right reasons doesn't go the way I hoped, but I had a go and I learned from it.

Treating friends 🫶🏻

2024-07-17 10:49:07 UTC

My friend is due to give birth and she rarely accepts help (no matter how hard I try!) But last weekend me and my husband paid for her and her husband to have a meal out, as it will be their last before the baby arrives. It was nice to be able to treat them, especially because she’s been feeling quite anxious recently.

2024-07-17 14:27:04 UTC

I gifted some cinema tickets to a colleague

A homeless man wanted a coffee

2024-07-17 15:21:57 UTC

As I walked passed the many coffee shops that Manchester has to offer, I saw a man begging for a caffeine fix, whilst clutching my own cup of coffee and knowing I cannot function without my morning dose of coffee, I went and got him one too, I hope he enjoyed his fresh filter coffee.

Taxi home

2024-07-18 10:12:50 UTC

Called an Uber for a guy outside a concert venue who was lying on the road alone

Chocolates

2024-07-18 10:44:14 UTC

A colleague brought some chocolates into the office for everyone to share. A simple and understated act!

Donated hair to the Little Princess Trust :)

2024-07-22 10:30:50 UTC

Lalley Centre Volunteering

2024-07-22 15:08:09 UTC

The AMBS School Ops team spent the day volunteering at the Lalley Centre in Collyhurst. The centre provides advice, has a food pantry and community allotment. The team helped to unload deliveries to the pantry, dated/labelled food and did some planting and weeding in the allotment.

Accompanied cycle

2024-07-23 07:50:24 UTC

A colleague took me on a cycle route to work that I was unfamiliar with. It was such a nice route, along tree lined residential roads rather than my usual busy commuter dual carriage way. It was nice to be able to chat as we cycled along too - arriving at work in a super mood :)

Signed up to volunteer

2024-07-26 13:12:41 UTC

After many years of being a member of Sale Harriers Manchester, I thought it was time to give something back seeing how committed individuals are at making training sessions for the junior section fun and enjoyable. I have the best volunteering role - working in the tuck shop - serving all those happy, smiley faces taking forever to select their well deserved treats.

Dog walking

2024-08-16 12:36:16 UTC

Walked my neighbours dog when she had Covid and couldn't leave the house as she also suffers with COPD

Donated blood

2024-08-20 16:45:31 UTC

I give regularly but had to take a break for a while due to ill health so it was a good feeling to be able to go and donate again

Reached out to a friend who is grieving

2024-08-20 16:46:48 UTC

A close friend of mine lost her dad this time last year and I knew she was struggling with the grief so I made sure to reach out and check in with her

Supported my partner after they lost their mum

2024-08-20 16:49:06 UTC

My partner lost their mum recently so I've been supporting them in anything I can. Little things like getting them out of the house for a bit and listening to stories about her have brought some relief and helped remember the good times.

Had a lovely chat with the office cleaner today

2024-08-22 14:01:40 UTC

I have noticed we have a new cleaner in our office toilets, had a nice chat with him and thanked him for their work. I think it's important that people who do the 'invisible' work feel visible and appreciated.

Grannie Duties

2024-08-22 14:05:56 UTC

My daughter was due to move house and was badly let down by the removal company at the last minute, so I offered to look after my grandson for 48 hours whilst they drove south, packed up their home and moved back up North!!

2024-09-11 11:22:44 UTC

I gave the last pair of discount trainers at Cheshire Oaks to a lady who I felt would get more enjoyment and wear from them as me. She was very happy and shocked.

Helped my friends with their CV and cover letter

2024-09-12 09:17:09 UTC

Donated blood

2024-09-23 15:45:01 UTC

Word of encouragement

luanascrivano — 2024-10-11 13:00:25 UTC

Today, I encouraged my mum on her chemo day and my sister-in-law, with both my nephews ill at home. "You are doing the best you can, and, however hard, you haven't given up on yourself. You are powerful and beautiful, and you deserve love and kindness!"

Donations

2024-11-21 12:53:39 UTC

Have just dropped off a bag of goodies at SALC Admissions for Wood Street and the food bank. Have also donated to the Manchester Christmas Dinner. :-)

Sweet treats

2024-12-13 12:28:54 UTC

I bought some cakes on my lunch break to surprise colleagues with (Eighth Day cakes are devine by the way!)

Litter picking

2024-12-13 12:29:40 UTC

On my lunch break while at home, I went out to pick litter in my local area