The average Brit carries out 730 good deeds a year- find out what made the top 50

Virgin Radio

16 Dec 2021, 10:38

It seems we are a nation of do-gooders, as a study shows the average Brit claims they do 730 good deeds a year, with 56 percent expecting nothing back.

Opening a door for someone, taking a neighbour’s parcel and paying a compliment are among those in the top 50 acts of kindness cited by the public.

Also making the top 10 is donating to charity, smiling at a passerby on the street, letting someone with less shopping jump the queue, giving up your seat on public transport and putting someone else first.

The study, of over 2,000 adults, was conducted by Kingsmill as part of their Slice of Kindness initiative to encourage people to spread a bit of goodwill in the world.

Emma Eggleton, a spokeswoman for the brand, said: “We hope that this list of everyday acts of kindness inspires others to be kind.

“It shows that even the simplest gestures can have a positive impact on someone’s day.

“It’s really uplifting to see that people view a favour or a random act of kindness as a habit for life, not just for Christmas.”

Other acts featured on the top 50 list include checking in on elderly neighbours (30 percent), helping someone reach the top shelf at the shop (41 percent) and giving way when driving (40 percent).

Letting your partner have a lie-in and writing a handwritten letter or card also appeared on the list, with roughly 34 percent of people saying they regularly do those acts.

Another finding from the survey was that one in ten Brits said they carry out four kind acts every day, which is the equivalent of 1,460 a year- but 15 percent of those polled said they received zero favours a day!

We are a selfless bunch.

This might be because 47 percent of respondents said they wanted to help those who were vulnerable or in need, declaring being kind “helps society at large to spread positivity” and “it gives them positive mental health” when someone is kind to them.

In addition, 59 percent said they felt happier when carrying out an act of kindness.

Our spirit of goodwill may have been a result of the pandemic, with four in ten believing covid has made them more appreciative of their life and more aware of other people’s disadvantages.

At least the pandemic has been good for something then.

The results of the survey inspired Kingsmill to produce a new video showcasing these everyday acts of kindness in action.

Emma Eggleton added: “We’ve been out and about spreading a little cheer ourselves. We’ve given away our very own Kingsmill Christmas jumpers, a year’s supply of bread, and we’ve even paid for someone’s weekly shop.

“Doing right by the nation’s health, our local communities and the planet has always been at the heart of everything Kingsmill does, and that’s why we’re putting it first.

“Supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, teaming up with Aspire Housing for its annual toy appeal, and helping fund training for nurses and care-home workers close to our bakeries - these are just some of the ways we’re making a difference. We want everyone to get involved.

“This is our way of wishing everyone a very merry Christmas, packed full of laughter, joy and kindness.”

See the full list from the survey below- how many do you do? 

BRITS’ TOP 50 ACTS OF KINDNESS:

1. Opening a door for someone
2. Taking in a neighbour's parcel when they are out
3. Paying someone a compliment
4. Donating to charity
5. Saying hello/smiling at someone on the street
6. Holding the lift for someone
7. Letting someone with less shopping jump the check-out queue
8. Giving up your seat on public transport for someone you felt needed it more
9. Expressing empathy
10. Putting someone else's needs before your own
11. Helping a fellow shopper reach the top shelf in a store
12. Giving way while driving when you didn't need to
13. Helping someone carry their luggage/a pram/parcels
14. Putting a neighbour's bin back after rubbish collection
15. Sharing knowledge with someone who needed it
16. Giving a lift without expecting payment
17. Calling a friend/family member just to chat
18. Treating a colleague/friend to a cuppa/drink
19. Writing someone a handwritten letter/card
20. Letting your partner have a lie-in
21. Saying “keep the change” to staff at a small shop/your local pub
22. Making a tea round without being asked
23. Feeding someone's pet while they are away
24. Giving someone your last piece of chocolate
25. Checking in on an elderly/vulnerable neighbour
26. Participating in a fundraiser
27. Wearing/using a gift someone gave you while in their presence
28. Telling someone there was a bit of food in their teeth/make-up on their face
29. Cooking or baking for someone without being asked
30. Supporting local food banks
31. Sharing an umbrella with someone when it's raining
32. Sending a gift to someone you knew was having a hard time
33. Going out of your way to reunite an owner with lost valuables/wallet
34. Treating someone to breakfast in bed
35. Sharing a good recipe/restaurant recommendation with a friend/co-worker
36. Buying food or drink for a homeless person
37. Thanking a teacher/lecturer with a gift
38. Paying for someone's meal at a restaurant
39. Giving your time to a community cause
40. Donating Christmas gifts to an orphanage/children's charity
41. Running a loved one a warm bath after a hard day's work
42. Sending someone a virtual “hug”
43. Babysitting a neighbour's/friend's children for free when they have an emergency
44. Walking someone's dog when they are unable to due to illness
45. Wearing a Christmas jumper for charity on Christmas Jumper Day
46. Writing someone a surprise note to show you care and popping it in their lunchbox
47. Throwing someone a surprise party
48. Surprising someone with an unexpected video call
49. Paying for a more vulnerable/less well-off person's shopping
50. Thanking a local community “superstar”