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Spreading kindness throughout Bristol
“I want us to be kinder to others and kinder to ourselves in the busy and hectic life in the city”, is the message behind a project hoping to bring happiness to the people of Bristol, especially during lockdown.
Julian Wood, who lives in Lower Knowle, started The Art of Kindness around two years ago, planting small flags with words compassion written on.
The project began when Julian was cycling along Riverside Park and saw a lamp post with “looking great today” written on it.
is needed now More than ever
“It so cheered me up I wanted to develop something similar – to share messages of hope and encouragement across the city,” says Julian.
Julian hangs up some kind flags. Photo: Nicky Takes Photos
Since lockdown began, Julian has expanded the project, placing flags in parks on streets throughout the city. He has also started sending Kindness Packs to anyone that asks for one, as well as care homes, GP surgeries and hospital wards.
He hopes to continue this throughout lockdown, post-lockdown and for the foreseeable future.
“The current Covid-19 crisis has led to much more suffering, individually and collectively, and to an outbreak of fear and anxiety,” says Julian. “Kindness is needed more than ever before to comfort and steady us.”
Flags at the M Shed. Photo: Julian Wood
Julian is reaching out to people in Bristol to ask for their help in continuing the project, launching a GoFundMe to raise money.
“It’s such a tough time, I’ve lost all my employment and am on Universal Credit, and I’m aware that everyone is suffering in different ways at the moment,” says Julian, who normally works in schools and nurseries.
“I’d love to be able to continue my Art of Kindness to serve local communities in Bristol and further afield during this terrible period of lockdown and the post-lockdown period.”
Julian will also be using money raised to include other local artists and crafters in the project to help spread their uplifting art, supporting local creative people who are also struggling at present.
Positive thoughts during the lockdown. Photo: Julian Wood
“I’ve been blown away by all the amazing comments and feedback I’ve had via social media,” Julian says. “It’s strengthened my belief that what I do is making a big difference to lots of different people all over the city.
“I’d be honoured to carry on this work on behalf of all those who value it.”
Donate to the GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/f/art-of-kindness-during-lockdown and find out more at www.facebook.com/theartkindness
Main photo: Nicky Takes Photos
Read more: ‘We will learn to value the small acts of kindness from strangers’
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