Superstars: Happiness Rocks
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Over the last year and a half, lots of people have needed cheering up in one way or another. So, when Heather and her team came together during their NCS experience, they knew they wanted to do something to bring a little bit of joy to people’s everyday lives.
“Many people are affected by mental health issues, and we wanted to spread joy throughout the community to put a smile on people’s faces,” said Heather.
They decided to place rocks, that were donated by a family friend, throughout their local park. But not just any rocks. They would paint the rocks in cheerful colours, with different designs, and even some words of encouragement.
“We painted them with pretty patterns and designs and wrote uplifting messages on them. On the backs we put our Instagram handle so people could let us know if they’d found them!” Heather explained. You can check out their Insta and see some of the rocks here.
After two days of painting 120 rocks, the team took to their local park to give it a spruce up before placing the rocks down. After getting permission from the council and acquiring some equipment from another park, the team started a little pick. “We wanted to make the park a nicer place and were appalled at the amount of rubbish in certain areas,” said Heather. But, they got the job done and the next day went back to leave the rocks in lots of different places for people to find.
And then, like lots of plans over the last year, they had to adapt, when their team bubble was affected by COVID-19. “When our plans were affected by COVID-19 we had to alter our ideas and think on the spot about how we could still continue our social action project” said Heather. And the answer? Do something virtually! So the team met up online and started a fundraiser for Rethink Mental Health.
“They aim to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness, including friends, family, and carers” said Heather of their chosen charity. The team set up a donation page and promoted it on their Instagram, and have so far raised over £500!
And how do they feel? For Heather, “working together as a team to solve issues, and create a plan was my favourite part. We are so glad that we are able to help a wider community and through social media we have informed people all over the world about our project.” Amazing!
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU ARE?
Want to carry out some social action in your community but aren’t sure where to start? Take a look at a Changemaker group near you...
And if you’ve already taken part in a social action project that you’re proud of, let us know! Tell us all about it here.
