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A new project is giving Cantabrians a unique opportunity to thank someone who has helped or been kind to them.

#ThatTimeYouHelped – Our Portraits of People Reaching Out to One Another is a collaborative project organised by SCAPE Public Art and the All Right? campaign. It is part of the biennial SCAPE 8 New Intimacies.

Anyone can join the project by simply uploading a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #ThatTimeYouHelped or by posting a photo to the #ThatTimeYouHelped Facebook page. Custom- made software then captures the photos and displays them on a live feed linked to press.co.nz. Selected pictures will also be displayed in Re:Start Mall.

SCAPE Public Art spokesperson Deborah McCormack says the project is designed to celebrate everyday acts of kindness across Canterbury.

“Often it’s the little things – like putting out someone’s wheelie bins or checking in on someone – that mean the most to us when times are tough. #ThatTimeYouHelped celebrates that. We hope the project will not only see us thinking about and thanking those who have helped us, but also inspire acts of kindness right across the region.”

All Right? mental health promoter Ciaran Fox says the project is a great way to give Canterbury a boost.

“Our research has shown that the number one support for most people has been family and friends. Sharing our gratitude with others is a small but powerful way to give back. It’s important we all take time to look after our mental health and wellbeing. Helping others and gratitude are proven ways to give yourself a boost so #ThatTimeYouHelped is an important project.”

Ciaran Fox agrees that little acts of kindness can have a big impact on mental health.

“Even when you’re feeling overwhelmed by issues, little things – like someone picking up your child (from school) or smiling at you – can really give you a boost. It’s these things that can lift our mood and help us cope better with the challenges life throws at us.”

Spot prizes from Lone Star restaurants and Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa will be awarded each day from 3 October to 15 November 2015. All of the photos that have been uploaded can be viewed by following a link frompress.co.nz.

“It’s a wonderful wall of kindness that will inspire many smiles,” says Ciaran Fox.