How to Find and Spread Joy Closer to Home
Before lockdown, you probably had a full calendar events going on in your local area to keep you busy. But with coffee shops, clubs and catch-ups cancelled, we reached out to our friends and colleagues at Joules for closer-to-home ideas that can spark joy in your community. Have a read, get inspired, and try them for yourself!
Cards and Colouring Books –
Katie Cardew of Katie Cardew Illustrations
“We sent a stack of our brand new children’s colouring books to our local hospital (Peterborough) for the children of hospital workers and for children currently on the Amazon ward. It’s a teeny drop in a very stormy ocean but we are so grateful for our NHS staff who have to deal so much day in day out; things that most of us only have to confront when we watch the news.
We have also been offering to handwrite cards for our customers and post them direct to loved ones. On many occasions they have made us laugh and sometimes cry. There have been messages expressing the loneliness and sadness of the situation but above all, the overwhelming feeling is one of love, compassion and humour. They have been a joy to write.”
Painted Pebbles –
Olivia Holder, Content Copywriter at Joules
“The children in our village have been painting stones with rainbows and leaving them for all of us to spot on our daily walk. They’ve created a little trail around the neighbourhood, and it brings so much joy to find them all – especially when new ones pop up! The trail has also included a hopscotch grid drawn onto the pavement in colourful chalk that goes all the way up to 100! It’s lovely to see the children getting involved in making us all smile.”
May the Force Be With You –
Eleanor Tomlinson of Eleanor Tomlinson Art
“In our local community, something a little different, a Star Wars enthusiast is going out on his daily walk in a full storm trooper outfit. He puts out on social media his route so children (and adults) can know when to be waiting and be entertained during lockdown.
Personally, I have just last week launched a limited edition greetings card celebrating our key workers. 100% of all profits from this design, ‘When it Rains look for Rainbows’ will be donated to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.”
Treats and Treasure Trails –
Alex Rizzuto, Campaign Manager at Joules
“In our community, people have been leaving treats and essentials on their doorstops for passers by to enjoy while out on their daily walks. I’ve seen everything from hair bobbles and clips for little girls in the village, to second-hand books and fruit and vegetables fresh from the garden. It’s so nice to see everyone coming together to share a little joy, even if they have to do it from afar.”
Kids to the Rescue –
Emily Sayer of Stib Pencils
“At Stib, we know that children can change the world, which is why we’re asking them to form a ‘Kids Kindness Force’ – an initiative we have launched on our website. By getting sponsored to do some Kind Deeds For Kids in Need – and giving grown-ups a big helping hand in the process – we plan to raise money for kids having a really tough time right now. You can download our Kind Deeds Information Pack to get started here.”
Planting Seeds of Hope –
Amy Dunne, Product Marketing Manager at Joules
“Where I live, people have started to hang personalised messages of hope onto a tree for everybody to read and enjoy. Some are simple notes, some have made hearts tied with ribbons and there were even Easter eggs too! It’s humbling to see everyone coming together in solidarity and spreading hope – it makes you believe in the good in humanity during these challenging times.”
Magic in the Making –
Laurie Parrett of Ratty Golightly
“We’ve been taking to two wheels for our daily exercise and to decorate our local surroundings with our hand-painted peg dolls, The GoSprightlys! They’re painted with rainbows, have a happy smiling face and glittery hair (this helps them to be spotted in their hiding places). We hope that the little rainbow sprites raise smiles for others on their daily exercise. We’ve heard from friends that have spotted them and they love them.”
Have you enjoyed reading all the good things that are going on in communities across the UK? We’d love to hear from our customers too! Make sure to share your stories with us, and let us know if you give any of these ideas a try.
Margaret Foden
01.05.2020 at 10:44O my goodness – Rainbow Peg Dolls! What an amazing idea. I’m off to raid my peg bag and dig out some colouring pens Thanks so much for the inspiration and making me smile xx
Sally Bolch
01.05.2020 at 14:59I am not much of an artist but even I could make rainbow peg dolls for my granddaughters and their friends. Thank you for a lovely idea.
Harriet Haynes-Coote
05.05.2020 at 13:23Such lovely ideas! I’ve been making cards featuring photos of the flowers in my garden. I’ll be putting them through neighbours doors to bring a little cheer to friends who might be feeling a bit isolated.
Diane Jamieson
07.05.2020 at 13:03We’re joining the kids kindness force. Lovely way to teach my son about kindness and get some chores done too ??
Vivienne Taylor
07.05.2020 at 21:41My daughter has been making headbands for NHS staff,she has made over 400 and they have been sent to our local hospitals in Leicestershire and to my niece & nurses in Poole.