Daily Mirror Launches National Campaign to Spotlight Community Hope
In a nation often portrayed as divided, the Daily Mirror has proudly launched A Million Acts of Hope, a major national effort designed to highlight the everyday moments of kindness, community spirit, and resilience that truly define the United Kingdom. This initiative seeks to amplify the countless positive actions that occur daily but are frequently overshadowed by louder narratives of division.
The Power of Everyday Resilience
Chris Keene, a long-suffering Leeds United fan living in Burnley, embodies this spirit of hope. Residing in one of the country's most deprived wards, Chris has dedicated the past eight years to working 40-hour weeks at the West End Community Centre, entirely as a volunteer. His journey began when the centre faced closure due to austerity cuts in 2018; rather than see it shut, local residents fought to save it, and Chris transitioned from employee to full-time volunteer to ensure local children from the Stoops and Hargher Clough estates retained a vital community space.
"You know that Chumbawamba song," Chris reflects. "'I get knocked down and I get up again'. That's what hope means to me. It's there in the resilience that people show, even as they face so many pressures. Hope is getting up, saying, 'we're still here'."
Countering Division with Collective Action
The campaign, backed by a collective representing charities, faith groups, and community organisations, addresses a pervasive sense of fragmentation. "Watching the news or looking at your social media feed, it's easy to believe that the UK is more divided than ever," the collective states. "The voices of those who seek to spread hate are loud. But the reality is millions of people across the UK show up for each other every single day."
From litter picking in parks and donating to food banks to coaching youth football teams and enhancing street safety, these acts of hope and kindness are ubiquitous yet underreported. To change this, from May 13 to 20, 2026, community and faith groups, alongside charities large and small, will unite to celebrate and inspire A Million Acts of Hope across Britain.
Broad Coalition of Support
An impressive array of organisations has already pledged support, including 38 Degrees, Save the Children, Shelter, The Wildlife Trusts, The Women's Institute, the Muslim Council of Britain, Mencap, and many others, alongside numerous grassroots community projects. The campaign emphasises that actions can range from organising large-scale events to performing simple favours for neighbours in need.
Moazzam Malik, Chief Executive of Save the Children UK, notes: "Across the UK, we see parents, carers, teachers and volunteers doing everything they can to give children a safe and happy start in life. These actions often go unseen, but they matter deeply. A Million Acts of Hope helps to tell this story."
Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, highlights the unifying power of nature: "We know that a deep appreciation of nature brings people together. Wildlife Trusts have worked with over 1,600 local communities across the UK, supporting people to restore and connect with nature. We're excited to celebrate and inspire A Million Acts of Hope."
Protecting Civil Society
Kate Lee, chief executive of NCVO, warns of the challenges facing charities. "Polarised public debate and hostile narratives are having a chilling effect on civil society, undermining charities' ability to operate freely and deepening division," she says. "We must ensure civil society is protected. By reaffirming our shared values and creating a space for positive, inclusive action, this campaign can help ensure charities continue to meet the needs of the communities that rely on them."
Hope in Action: Stories from Burnley
Chris Keene points to local initiatives as sources of optimism. He cites a diversity festival organised by young people, now in its third year, as a testament to youthful positivity and vision for the future. Additionally, a colourful community quilt created by women's groups at the West End Centre and the Chai centre, a hub for local South Asian heritage, features the poignant slogan 'Hugs not Hate'.
"What we see here is hope in spite of all the negative and tough things people are having to deal with," Chris explains. "People have been let down so badly by austerity, but they are still looking forward to a hopeful not a hateful future. We see people getting on with it, having hope every day. That's got to be worth celebrating."
A Million Acts of Hope is fundamentally about believing in a future where compassionate actions resonate more powerfully than divisive rhetoric, celebrating the unyielding spirit of communities across the nation.
