“I don’t think I realised how small gestures can really brighten up someone’s day”
Leeds
Written by Fiona, local resident
I heard about the Looking Out for Our Neighbours campaign from my sister. I read a bit more about the campaign online and seeing other people’s stories gave me loads of ideas of how I could make a difference to someone’s life.
I don’t think I realised how small gestures can really brighten up someone’s day. My neighbour is in her 90s, and lives alone. She has family who drop by every so often but it must be hard living by yourself. Since hearing about the campaign I’ve definitely made more of an effort to offer her help.
The other day I was clearing my garden of some rubble and noticed she had some rocks in her garden too. So the next time I saw her, I offered to take up her rocks while I did mine. It’s not something she could have done herself.
And then I knew it was her birthday coming up, so I baked her a cake. I took it round and had a cup of tea with her. She told me she really appreciated my kindness. But actually, it made me feel good to do something nice for her as well.
These little gestures don’t cost me anything, and now she knows I’m around if she needs help. That’s important to her, and to me.