The campaign will emphasise the importance of practicing empathy through kindness by encouraging Ararat residents to complete a random act of kindness for a friend or stranger during Mental Health Week (October 10-17).

Central Grampians LLEN executive officer Jane Moriarty said Resilient Ararat "want to bring some joy into the community" through introducing the campaign.

"Much like our Bean Resilient coffee cup campaign last year, we want to bring some joy into the community, and give people something to smile about, in what has been a difficult time for many," she said.

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To kick-start the campaign, Resilient Ararat has distributed several 'kindness calling cards' to local schools for students to start filtering out into the community.

Ms Moriarty said the cards featured instructions to continue to spread kindness throughout the week.

"If you receive a calling card, we would love you to follow its instructions and complete a random act of kindness for somebody else. You will then need to pass the card on to them so they can continue to spread kindness throughout the community," she said.

"We have also created a collection of greeting cards that prompt you to write a kind note to someone else. These cards highlight that being kind does not always involve a grand gesture or purchasing something for someone."

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Ms Moriarty encouraged the community to use social media to share their kind acts with others.

"We know that empathy, compassion, and kindness have numerous benefits for mental and physical health for both the giver and the receiver," she said.

"We are encouraging people to share their random acts of kindness on social media.

"You can do this by taking a photo of the random act of kindness you have received, or of you completing your act of kindness for someone else. Share the image to Instagram or Facebook, tag @resilientararat and use the hashtag #kindararat.

"We can't wait to see the different ways our community spreads kindness in our town."

For more information on the Random Acts of Kindness in the Rat campaign, follow Resilient Ararat on Facebook and Instagram.

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