Compassionate Communities –
What Can I Do?

Shared Humanity

Compassion comes from the heart and starts with me.

• Share your personal story, it may help others
• Check in on someone you think may be isolated or struggling
• Wave or say ‘hello’ to a neighbour you don’t know
• Be kind to a stranger – you don’t know what they might have going on in their life

Community Mindedness

Let’s ask what can I do for my community?

• Offer to visit someone who is unwell or dying
• Volunteer with an organisation that supports people
• Start up a compassionate network to support someone going through a hard time
• Ask a member of your club or community group if they need support

Compassionate Organisations

Let’s grow, recognise and reward compassion in our businesses, schools, workplaces, clubs, community groups and institutions.

• Identify someone in your organisation people can talk to when they are experiencing grief or hardship
• Develop workplace policy to support people during hardship

Compassionate Spaces and Places

Let’s create a sense of belonging in all places we meet, work and play.

• Create a ‘happy to chat’ table at your local cafe to encourage strangers to connect
• Create a memorial space or ritual to remember a loved one who has died

Communication and Information Sharing

Let’s listen, let’s ask, let’s talk, let’s share.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t know how to find information
• Offer to help someone find information online
• Make information easy to find and understand
• Share information you think may help someone

Leadership and Advocacy

Let’s lead by sharing what we’ve learnt and listening with our hearts.

• Talk openly and honestly to your family about your end of life wishes
• Have open and honest conversations with your children about death and dying
• Lead by example and show compassion through your actions
• Give your staff permission to be compassionate with customers and clients

Read the Compassionate Albany Charter Here