Small Acts of Kindness Impact Report 2023 - Report - Page 1
Impact Report 2023
Reducing loneliness and isolation
for older and vulnerable people,
one small act of kindness at a time
A message from Lynne Misner, CEO & Founder
Here, at Small Acts of Kindness, we are often asked how receiving one of our gift bags can
reduce loneliness and isolation. The answer is not always immediately obvious but as an
organisation whose aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation, it is one that we think about
constantly.
From our feedback cards, we know that 65% of our recipients feel isolated for some, most
or all of the time. It is a sobering thought that nearly 10,000 older and vulnerable people who
we reach across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire feel isolated. Of course, there are also
probably thousands more who we don’t know about.
To understand why they feel lonely and isolated we must look at factors of deprivation. The
key factors affecting our gift bag recipients are: income; health; living environment; barriers to
housing and services; digital access and literacy. These can all compound isolation.
How do we help? The practical items within our Warm in Winter gift bags go a long way to
help reduce the negative impact feeling cold can have, particularly if poor health, low income
or a poorly insulated home mean you constantly feel cold.
More than that, recipients tell us, time and time again, that receiving a gift bag makes them feel cared for and thought about.
For an older person who feels hidden or forgotten, these gifts bring hope and joy. The bags help the recipients feel less
lonely and signposted to support – together this can help reduce loneliness and isolation. Without a doubt, every bag is a
small act of kindness that makes a big difference, helping people feel valued, remembered and, in turn, less lonely and
isolated. We extend a huge thank you to everyone who helps make this happen.
Our year in numbers
volunteers
150
partners
christmas gifts
information
packs
4,600
16,000
450
14,500
gift bags
2,500
15,000
older and
vulnerable
people reached
volunteer hours
17,500
activity
books