PUPILS and teachers at a Borders primary school have shared their pledges of kindness in a video on social media.

Longtown Primary School shared a video of all the pupils and teachers sharing their plans on how to spread kindness to others.

It was all in aid of national mental health awareness week, which coincided with more focus on mental health during lockdown.

The theme that Longtown Primary set for the week was kindness, which was reflected in their activities.

Lauren Hitchen, acting deputy headteacher, said: “Improving wellbeing is something that is always at the forefront for us as a school and trust.

"Research shows that kindness can help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing.

“We wanted to enable our community to look forward positively to a future beyond Covid-19 and the pledges were a way to focus that positive message and support the wellbeing of our children and families.”

Longtown Primary School has been setting lots of exercises for the pupils that gets them thinking about other people in the community.

One pupil was so enamoured with one of the weekly activities in making worry dolls that she made more than 50 to give out to her neighbours.

This exercise saw them making pledges to video call their friends; help to prepare breakfast; spend time with their family and smile more.

“The children were encouraged to think about helping others and realise how the smallest of gestures can make a big difference,” said Lauren.

“It costs nothing to make somebody smile.

“We wanted the children to experience the emotions of giving to others.”

More than 100 pledges have been submitted by staff and students who are hoping to spread a little kindness during the pandemic.

The activity has been really well received by parents, staff, and children in the community who are supporting the pupils to create thoughtful pledges.

“It has been one way that the community has shown support for the school and visa versa,” said Lauren.

“I really hope this has been a really positive experience for our community.

“They have started to think about recovery beyond Covid-19 and that can only be a good thing for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.”