Kindness Matters: Just a little goes a long way

By What Matters to Hatters Coalition on August 12, 2025.

The What Matters to Hatters Coalition remains focused on reducing stigma related to substance use and mental illness in our community by promoting the importance of kindness and connection.

We believe everyone should be offered kindness and connection, including people who may be struggling with substance use disorder or mental illness.

For many, their trauma and suffering is untold and inconceivable. Yet, the experiences of people impacted by these medical conditions when interacting in the community are often unkind, stigmatizing and even harmful to their wellbeing. It should be noted that some of our unhoused population who are not affected by such conditions also report similar experiences.

Simple acts of kindness and connection can have a huge impact. A smile or a warm greeting when you pass someone demonstrates your humanity!

Maybe you take a moment to offer a genuine compliment to someone you see regularly. Going a step farther might include offering someone a cold bottle of water on a hot day or having an extra hat or travel-size sunscreen to share.

Did you know that performing acts of kindness can reduce pain, stress levels, anxiety, and depression? And that kindness and connection can even increase our lifespan!

In our efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorder, we have written about the importance of using person first language. Learning more about how the words we speak impact people can also be an act of kindness. Reach out to us at whatmatterstohatters@gmail.com for further details.

People of all walks of life are reporting that they feel unseen and unheard. Imagine if no one ever looked at you, smiled, or acknowledged your presence, even crossing the street to avoid walking past you. What would this lack of human connection do to your mental and physical health?

Another important step in leading a more compassionate and caring life is to educate ourselves about mental illness and substance use disorder. At the end of August, there will be two opportunities to learn more about the impacts of the toxic drug supply and substance use disorder in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The first event is on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 4-7 p.m. at the Medicine Hat Public Library in the courtyard and will include support and reflection, information booths, an open mic and a free bbq. Then on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 2-4 p.m. at the Library in the Honor Currie Room there will be a facilitated sharing opportunity with an elder as well as grief and coping information. Follow the Medicine Hat Drug Coalition Facebook page for more information.

This summer, members of the What Matters to Hatters Coalition and other volunteers have been hosting Sidewalk Talk events downtown in Towne Square. These events offer heart-centered listening to anyone about anything.

Our mission is to reduce loneliness, promote inclusion, and enhance social health through the practice of listening. We have met people from all walks of life who are experiencing challenges most of us could never imagine.

None of them would choose to be impacted by substance use disorder or mental illness. Some of them are experiencing neither but have found themselves in uncertain circumstances. We just listen; no advice is provided.

What Matters to Hatters is hosting our next Sidewalk Talk on Tuesday, Aug. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. downtown at Towne Square. If you want to learn more, join us!  

You can stay informed about all of our upcoming events and initiatives by heading to our website for more information: https://www.whatmatterstohatters.com/activities-events or follow us on Facebook or X, just search for the What Matters to Hatters Coalition!

The Kindness Matters column is put together by members of the What Matters to Hatters Coalition

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