Wales is the kindest part of Great Britain, study finds

Wales is the kindest region in Great Britain, according to a study. Research, of 2,000 adults, revealed those in the country will carry out an average of eight acts of kindness each week – compared to just six-and-a-half accomplished in the East of England and the South-East, which jointly came bottom of the pile.

Londoners took second place, while residents in the West Midlands, the North West, and Scotland, rounded out the top five. It also emerged one in four adults across the country volunteer, dedicating an average of eight hours of their spare time each week.

The research was commissioned by Nissan, which is working with The Richard Whitehead Foundation’s Supported Runner Project, to help make this Sunday's TCS London Marathon more inclusive. It comes after the study also found more than half (56 per cent) would volunteer to help a disabled friend or person complete a sporting event, if they were equipped with the right tools and training.

Gold-medal winning Paralympian, and Nissan GB’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador, Richard Whitehead, said: “It’s fantastic to see how people support each other across the country, and so many would be willing to help disabled runners if they had the tools and training to do so.

“Helping others is not only incredibly important, but also very rewarding – so we’re delighted to give people the opportunity to do so around mass participation running events.

Julie McElroy is aiming to be the first female frame runner to complete the TCS London Marathon - with the support of her friend, Gill Menzies (Image: PinPep)

“The Supported Runner Project provides comprehensive training to volunteers, allowing them to offer all-encompassing support to runners with physical or neurodiverse disabilities before, during, and after each event – helping to remove some of the challenges and barriers to entry that they may encounter.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the impact this will have at this year’s race, and hopefully we can inspire even more people to take part in the future.”

The study also revealed the top 30 things people do to help others – with showing their appreciation (60 per cent), and holding a door open for someone else (59 per cent), coming out on top. Donating old belongings to charity (44 per cent), checking in on a friend (37 per cent), and taking a parcel in for a neighbour (45 per cent), also made the list.

And while 51 per cent are kind because it’s part of their personal values, 28 per cent said it makes them happy, and 27 per cent like to feel they’re “doing their bit”. Half of those polled would like to help people out more often than they currently do, and 34 per cent would even go as far to say they wished they were a kinder individual.

A lack of time (42 per cent), money (41 per cent), and an introverted personality (34 per cent), are among the things holding people back from being more compassionate – although 43 per cent believe they’ve grown kinder as they’ve grown older. It also emerged three-quarters recognise the power of kindness, as they feel it has a positive impact on their relationship with others.

And 76 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, believe compassion and generosity can be passed on – so when you’re kind to someone, they will be kind to someone else.

Supported Runner Project volunteer, Gill Menzies, who is helping her friend Julie McElroy become the first female frame runner to complete the TCS London Marathon, said: “I’m excited to be supporting Julie – it’s a real privilege to help her both physically and mentally complete the marathon, and a rewarding experience for both of us.

“Volunteers are vital to the project – helping to break down those barriers to entry, giving people a chance to take part in amazing events. With the training process being tailored to the needs of each athlete and support runner, it provides everyone involved with the best chance of completing their challenge.”

GREAT BRITAIN'S KINDEST REGIONS, RANKED BY NUMBER OF WEEKLY ACTS OF KINDNESS: