AS part of Mental Health Awareness Week, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Claire Baker has highlighted a survey published by the Mental Health Foundation Scotland in which 64% of respondents say being kind to others has a positive impact on their mental health.

She is urging people to remember the role of kindness in reducing the social, economic and mental health consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which ends on Sunday, had the theme of Kindness and the Mental Health Foundation Scotland is calling for kindness tests including equality, dignity and respect to be applied to Government policy.

Claire Baker said: “This survey by the Mental Health Foundation is further evidence of the positive impact on kindness on protecting and improving mental health.

“During this time of restriction on socialising and other activity it is particularly important to look after our own, and others, mental health. The theme of this Mental Health Awareness Week is an important reminder of the role each of us can play in bringing hope and support to others through acts of kindness".

Ms Baker added: “Across Central Fife we are seeing wonderful examples of people going out of their way to show kindness and help others during the coronavirus pandemic. "The survey indicates almost three quarters of adults believe we should learn from the Covid-19 pandemic and be more kind as a society. I hope that once we emerge from this period we can continue to act with consideration and show that Kindness Matters.”