By Portsmouth bids to be UK’s kindest city
A campaign to get Portsmouth recognised as the kindest city in the UK has been launched.
Cllr Rob Wood, who became Lord Mayor during lockdown, is hoping city residents will join in a social media push to show just how warm-hearted Pompey people are.
Around 70 places are taking part in the UK’s Kindest City competition, with residents of each area being asked to post examples of kindness from their community, until the end of the year.
The winning city will be announced in the new year.
Cllr Wood said: “I’ve seen first-hand just how amazing Portsmouth people have been during the pandemic.
“They have been volunteering in huge numbers, donating to good causes and going out of their way to help neighbours. This only goes to show what we all know anyway, that Portsmouth is a really close-knit city where community really matters and people care about each other.
“I really hope local people will get on board with this campaign and show the country how we feel about Portsmouth.”
The competition is part of the Kind20 campaign, run by The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF). It aims to lift spirits during the pandemic and keep community feeling strong through the crisis and beyond.
One of its co-founders, Shamender Talwar, said: “With this competition, we’re setting out to highlight that kindness really has made a huge difference in our communities during the coronavirus crisis and we’re delighted that Portsmouth is now officially an active part of that process.
“The Lord Mayor’s support epitomises the spirit we’re seeing right across the country and we’re looking forward to showcasing Portsmouth’s acts of kindness with the whole nation.”
To take part, residents just need to go to the Kind20 page on Facebook (search @tuff.earth) and post news of an act of kindness they’ve either benefited from, seen, or performed themselves, using the hashtags #Kind20 and #Kind20/Portsmouth. Pictures are welcomed.
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