Celebrating Kindness Day UK: The heart of person centred care

Kindness is a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings people together in a way that nothing else can. In the realm of healthcare and social services, kindness holds a special place of significance. On Kindness Day UK, we want to shed light on why kindness is not just a nice-to-have but an essential component of person centred care. 

Picker’s commitment to person centred care 

Picker’s work in the field of health and social care revolves around the idea of person centred care. This approach to care delivery is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our Picker Principles of Person Centred Care, developed through extensive research involving patients, their families, and staff, sets out a comprehensive framework for understanding what truly matters to people and what constitutes high-quality, person centred care. 

Why kindness is important in care work and services

Kindness is not a standalone concept but an integral part of person centred care. Here’s why it’s crucial in the world of health and social care services: 

• Building Trust: Kindness fosters trust. Patients, clients, and their families are more likely to trust and open up to healthcare providers and service staff who show kindness. Trust is the cornerstone of effective care relationships. 

• Reducing Anxiety: Illness or injuries can be anxiety-inducing. Kindness can help alleviate some of that anxiety by creating a comforting and reassuring atmosphere. 

• Empowering Patients: Kindness is empowering. It can help patients and clients feel like active participants in their care journey, rather than passive recipients. It encourages them to voice their concerns and preferences. 

• Enhancing Communication: Kindness improves communication. It ensures that information is delivered with empathy, clarity, and patience, making it easier for patients and their families to understand and make informed decisions. 

• Promoting Well-Being: Kindness has a positive impact on emotional wellbeing. It can improve the mood of both care providers and recipients, which in turn contributes to a more positive care environment. 
   
• Reducing Stigma: In the case of mental health and social services, kindness is instrumental in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. It sends a powerful message that seeking care is not a sign of weakness but a commendable act of self-care. 

Crucial, not optional 

Kindness is not merely a warm and fuzzy notion; it’s the heart of person centred care. On Kindness Day UK, let us reflect on the importance of kindness in healthcare and social services. By embracing kindness as a fundamental principle, we can build a more compassionate and caring society, one act of kindness at a time. Visit the Kindness Day UK website to learn more about how you can get involved.