Teen Talk helps spread happiness across Tendring

Impressively, it has been all down to caring young people who suggested their own idea to help spread happiness in the area.

The youth panel at Teen Talk Harwich painted bees on more than 1,000 wooden disks accompanied by a positive message.

Now residents across the district have been sharing the disks they have found while out and about to keep spreading the good vibes.

Sophie, Chloe, Stan and Henry Smith do their bit

It’s something Fern Lovett, activities and community engagement manager at Teen Talk, is extremely proud of.

She said: “The idea came from some of our young people who wanted to do something a little different over the Easter holidays for people to collect.

“Their aim was to make people smile, they can collect the disks or place them elsewhere to continue spreading the positive messages.

“It’s great to get people involved in a socially-distanced activity and it’s giving our young people a chance to volunteer and do something for their community.

“We found a lot of them wanted to help others and put a small message of kindness out there for someone to see.

“In turn, it has benefitted both parties as they feel good creating these and knowing the impact they will have.

Some of the positive bees ready to be distributed

“It’s given lots of families we’ve spoken to the motivation to go out and do something and coming out of the lockdowns we’re planning to carry on the project.

“It provides the motivation to get out and exercise. It’s given them a reason to actually go out for a walk, people have even been out in the rain which they might not usually do. That’s a really nice part of it.

“It’s lovely to have a project which young people are leading to also benefit other people their age in the town.

“Quite a lot of this age group enjoy this kind of treasure hunt type theme as it adds an element of adventure while we’re not able to do a lot at the moment.”

The project has been incredibly well received online and continues to gain traction. More than 1,000 people across Tendring have been involved as the scheme shows no sign of slowing.

Ms Lovett added: “It’s been really popular and we’ve had loads of responses and positive comments from people saying its made them smile.

“It’s been a great thing to get involved with over the lockdown because we’ve been able to do it in a safe way while bringing happiness to Harwich and the wider area.”