The Kindness Wave

Founder of The Kindness Wave, Laura Beveridge, writes about their mission to deliver love and comfort to children and young people during difficult times.

A month ago, I was introduced to Maxine Sloss from The Super Power Agency. Our friendship was built on a shared belief that all young people deserve the right to grow with confidence, live in a world with opportunity, and feel a sense of belonging and love. We shared our concern for children and young people during lockdown - missing out on seeing friends, loved ones and school life.

To offer comfort and distraction at this difficult time, we created four beautiful care packages with the help of Mainstreet Trading Company. The parcels contained a book (specifically chosen to match their age and interests), some soap to keep their hands squeaky clean, and a card letting them know we are thinking of them.  Each parcel was made with love and sent to a young person who we knew could use a little kindness.

The response to these parcels was wonderful and the young people felt comforted by our small act of kindness! From this began thinking of ways to reach out to more young people across Scotland. Collective discussions with my 7-year-old daughter, 13-year-old sister, Maxine and the four young people sparked the idea of The Kindness Wave.  We know that not every child has access to art materials, books and activities, and so we decided to send more parcels young people across Scotland.  The benefits of comfort and distraction during this time cannot be underestimated.

The Kindness Wave was formed with four key components; hope, love, comfort and kindness. Our branding is based on drawings by my daughter and sister, and each colour represents the favourite colours of the four young people who were the first to receive parcels.

To date we have sent 170 parcels, 4 boxes of crafts, hot chocolate, books and activities to children and young people across Scotland. We have also provided parcels to charities and organisations such as Aberlour, Breakthrough Dundee, Children 1st, Children’s Parliament and Shakti Women’s Aid to help in the incredible work that they are doing to support children, young people and their families at this challenging time.