CAN small acts of kindness have a big impact on mental health?
That theory is being tested in Tenterfield during Mental Health Month.
“We are not sure how it will work,” says Andrew Daley from Tablelands Mental Health.
“It’s a community experiment, testing the theory that small, kind acts can have a big impact on mental health.”
Mr Daley said small acts of kindness can release feel good chemicals like serotonin and oxytocins.
Certainly the mood at events held so far has been upbeat, with many spreading a message of kindness at free events.
Free art-therapy and meditation sessions at the Tenterfield Hub have led the way.
There was definitely a feel good in Jubilee Park on Sunday, as visiting ‘Youth with a Mission’ pitched in to assist with the awareness walk and barbecue, and chalk art on the walkways.
Tenterfield Mental Program was launched at the cinema on Wednesday, 9 October and saw over 40 people attend the free screening of the inspirational movie ‘Pay it Forward’.
Testing the theory of kindness, two journals were issued as a way of encouraging recipients to record their feelings and pass on the goodwill.
Organisers remind the public to spare a kind thought or deed for someone near them this month.
