Say it with flowers - kindness and community spirit boosted as flowers left to beat loneliness
By Jill Dando News
This is a flowery giveway that we all hope catches on to bring more kindness to the planet and help beat loneliness.
Kind people in the UK have been leaving flowers to help beat loneliness.
The Nateby and Wharton Women's Institute (WI) in the UK left some 30 floral arrangements throughout Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.
The initiative touched one local resident who told the BBC that the flowers "made [her] day" following a challenging week and while missing her mother.
Anne Cradock, one of the project's organizers, noted that people expressed gratitude for living in "such a wonderful, supportive community".
WI members crafted the bouquets using flowers and herbs from their personal gardens.
Local business Gregsons Spar also contributed to the project by providing additional blooms.
Each arrangement included a handmade heart, offering recipients a lasting keepsake after the flowers wilted.
The bouquets were made to mark World Loneliness Week.
Speaking to the BBC, Mrs Cradock, an 80-year-old Kirkby Stephen resident and WI activity coordinator, explained: "We let the community know so that, if they know someone that is living on their own or is sad or grieving, they can collect the flowers."
Lucy Baker from Kirkby Stephen expressed her appreciation on social media:
"After a stressful week, which included missing my mum, I found this bunch and they made my day. Thank you."
In response, Mrs Cradock said: "That's what it's about, really."
