World Kindness Day is a celebration of kindness, encouraging us to be kind. Kindness has always been a big part of the DofE. It’s what the Volunteering section’s all about: showing compassion and respect, helping others and doing what you can for your community and the wider world.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of young people do their DofE and volunteer in many different ways, from tutoring and coaching younger pupils to fundraising and campaigning. In 2024-2025, DofE participants in the UK volunteered for more than 5 million hours, with an estimated equivalent value of more than £33.4m. That’s a pretty huge force for good!

But you don’t have to be doing your DofE to be kind to others. You don’t need to do anything heroic — even a small act of kindness can have a big impact on somebody feeling overwhelmed, sad or alone.

Not only that, but being kind officially makes you (at least a little bit) happier. Being kind has many benefits, and “leads to better relationships, improved self-esteem, compassion, happiness, future success, and good mental and physical health.”

If you want to do your bit, here are a few small ideas to get you started:

Be kind to people

1. Send a message to a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while and try to make them smile

2. Treat someone to a surprise cup of tea (or something else they’d like)

3. Donate to a food bank when you’re shopping

4. Make time to talk with someone who might be lonely

5. Go through your clothes and belongings and donate to a charity shop

6. Write a thank you letter to someone you’re really grateful to, but never got around to thanking

7. If your bus or train is busy, offer a seat to someone who might need it more

8. Do a favour for someone who’s unwell, like cleaning or doing their shopping

9. Post a positive comment under an article, blog or social media post you’ve enjoyed

Be kind to the planet

10. Switch any newsletters or statements you receive to digital only

11. Look into volunteering with a local conservation group

12. Plant a tree

13. Try not to use any single-use plastic for the day

14. Don’t leave your TV or computer on standby

15. If you can, take public transport or cycle for the day

Be kind to wildlife

16. Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter

17. Offer to feed a neighbour’s pet for the day, or take their dog for a walk

18. Plant some bee-attracting flowers

19. See if you can volunteer at your local animal sanctuary

20. Build a bug mansion, bat box or hedgehog home