As the ongoing pandemic keeps a huge proportion of the world’s population under lockdown, concerns have been raised in many quarters about the impact of these measures on mental wellbeing.

Each year during May the Mental Health Foundation promotes Mental Health Awareness Week. Their intention was to focus on the theme of sleep this year, but in light of the coronavirus outbreak, they have made the decision to change the theme to kindness. Many of us are blessed to have received kindness from others, on countless occasions and in countless ways, and we would all acknowledge the benefits it brings. During the last few weeks much media attention has been given to the outpouring of benevolence prompted by the crisis, from the simple weekly clap for carers, to the astonishing fundraising achievement of Captain Tom Moore. Many commentators have mused whether we will participate in and enjoy a kinder society as we come out the other side of this collective experience.