These 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness' have been popping up in Norfolk Park for weeks - have you found one?

Ashleigh-Sue Moore, of Heeley, is one of thousands of people across the country who has taken to leaving colourful bits of crochet in public spaces in the last few weeks, to be ‘discovered’ by those out and about getting their daily exercise.

The 26-year-old has now left more than 60 crocheted items on a tree in Norfolk Park, near her home, including flowers, rainbows, and hearts, all with a little message.

“It’s been so difficult for everybody, and I just thought finding a little message of hope might make someone’s day,” said Ashleigh-Sue.

“With all the sadness and heartbreak that is Covid-19, I felt like it is so important to spread positivity and share a message of kindness and hope and to let people know that they are not alone.

“I have been leaving crocheted rainbows on the same tree in Norfolk park since the beginning of isolation, every time I go out for daily exercise.

“Each one has a tag saying ‘Take me home to hang in your window if I made you smile,’ and a link to our Facebook group.

The Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Facebook page has thousands of members, and is filled with images of colourful items that have been discovered in all kinds of nooks and crannies.

Ashleigh-Sue said: “Some of the people who have taken my rainbows have posted pictures in the group to say thank you for making them smile.

“I’ve also dropped off parcels of crochet to local care homes, and over Easter left crocheted Easter gifts for all the children in my development to find.

“The response has been amazing, and to know that something I get so much enjoyment out of doing is making a tiny difference to someone’s day is an incredible feeling.”

Ashleigh-Sue revealed it was her discovering her own ‘random act of crochet kindness’ that inspired her to join the fun.

“On New Years Eve, a few months ago, I found a ‘Random Act of Crochet Kindness’ in the bathroom of a restaurant and it was such a lovely surprise that genuinely made my day,” said the events assistant.

“I told my grandma about it, who taught me to knit when I was 15, and she thought it was fantastic too.

“This act of kindness inspired me to learn how to crochet so I could also pass on the smile.

“Since then I’ve been leaving little crocheted gifts for strangers to find and take home, such as little flowers, shooting stars, four leaf clovers and love hearts.

“These things take between 20 and 60 minutes each to make.

“In the past I would leave them around the city centre, in the Winter Gardens, at bus stops, in some of my local shops on milk bottles, in coffee shops, everywhere really.

“I get so much enjoyment out of making them and hiding them.”

Of the Facebook group which inspired her, she added: “It’s such a great group and it’s inspired so many people to try crocheting, or even if they can’t crochet people have started performing random acts of kindness themselves just because they found one.

“It just goes to show, even the smallest things can make a difference.”