Sunshine, Stories & Simple Acts of Kindness – Netwalking Willenhall

Our latest Netwalking Event took place on Friday 15th May 2026 at Willenhall Memorial Park, the event brought together a brilliant group of local professionals and businesses, and the timing couldn’t have been more fitting for Mental Health Awareness Week – a reminder to check in with ourselves and each other, and to recognise just how much the connections we make truly matter.

This time, our Netwalking theme was all about kindness. And we were lucky enough to be joined by the truly amazing Leanne McDonald from Simple Acts of Kindness.

Leanne founded Simple Acts of Kindness in Wolverhampton during the pandemic, driven by a desire to support people in difficult circumstances. What started as a community-led initiative has since grown into something extraordinary, helping hundreds of families a year and earning Leanne recognition all the way to the top. She was awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for her outstanding voluntary service and has since shared her story at 10 Downing Street itself.

A Talk That Stayed With Us

Through powerful and moving stories – including her remarkable experience at Number 10 – Leanne reminded us that small acts of kindness have a profound impact, both on the people around us and on ourselves.

Her talk was one of those rare ones that genuinely stays with you. By the time she finished, there wasn’t a person among us who didn’t feel a little more inspired, a little more seen, and a little more affirmed in the quite good we put out into the world every day.

It was a timely reminder that we don’t always need to do something grand. A kind word, a moment of patience, a genuine “how are you?” – these things matter far more than we often realise. And as Leanne’s own story proves, small acts really can grow into something life-changing.

A Cause Worth Supporting

If Leanne’s words resonated with you as much as they did with us, we’d encourage you to visit Simple Acts of Kindness on Facebook. They’re doing excellent, community-led work in Wolverhampton that is well worth supporting – whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply follow along and take inspiration.

It’s Always the People

After Leanne’s talk, we headed out into the sunshine. Walking side by side changes the way we connect. There’s no table between us, no screen, just open paths and open conversations. People who might never have crossed paths found themselves connecting with like-minded professionals, discovering new opportunities, for collaboration and growth.

And during a week dedicated to mental health, that feels more important than ever. Getting outside, moving your body, and having real conversations with real people – it all adds up.

Thank you to Leanne for sharing her wisdom, her stories, and her heart so generously with us. And thank you to every single person who out to walk, talk, and connect. You’re what makes these events worth showing up for.

Want to join us next time?

We’d love to have you along. Click here to book your place at our next Netwalking Willenhall event and come and experience it for yourself.

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