Make a difference to our community through everyday kindness

Hear from local charity Kew Neighbourhood Association (KNA) about how the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact.

Many of us make a difference every day without even realising it. From offering your seat on the train to checking in on a neighbour, these quiet, thoughtful moments are what keep our community strong.

This is what KNA is all about. Their volunteers offer lifts to the GP, make friendly phone calls, and pop by for a chat. These gestures are simple, but for someone who is older, housebound, or struggling with loneliness, they can be life-changing.

One of the KNA’s beneficiaries recently said: “The volunteer who takes me to the hospital is more than a driver — she’s become a friend. I feel seen and cared for in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.”

Making a difference isn’t just about volunteering. It’s about recognising that we all have something to give, and that small efforts, when made consistently and with heart, truly matter.

Simple ways to make a difference

Here are some simple things you can do to make a real difference. 

Offer your time

Volunteer with a local group like KNA, a food bank, a school, or an environmental project. One hour a week could be all it takes. Check in with someone: Is there a neighbour who lives alone? A friend going through a hard time? A simple “How are you doing?” can mean the world.

Leave a kind note

Pop a thank you through a neighbour’s door, praise a local shop on social media, or send a postcard just to say hello.

Support local

Shop in independent businesses, take a leaflet for a local cause, or help share posters and events. Visibility matters.

Be present

Smile at a stranger. Hold the door. Let someone go ahead in the queue. These small, mindful acts ripple out further than we know.

About Kew Neighbourhood Association

Kew Neighbourhood Association offers free support to people in Kew — from lifts and errands to simple friendship — all thanks to their brilliant volunteers. If you're inspired to get involved, you can contact KNA.