The Northumberland mum helping to spread positivity around the globe

A Northumberland woman who launched a social media page to promote positivity has been blown away by the response.
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Karyn Thompson’s ‘Smile for a Mile’ Facebook group has attracted nearly 4,000 members in just four weeks.

"It's become so popular so quickly,” said Karyn. “I’m absolutely blown away by how popular it is and by what a gorgeous little group it’s become.”

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The 48-year-old set up the group after a spate of heart-breaking news, including friends who died of Covid-19. Others were struggling with their mental health in lockdown.

Karyn Thompson has set up a Smile for a Mile group on Facebook to help spread positivity.Karyn Thompson has set up a Smile for a Mile group on Facebook to help spread positivity.
Karyn Thompson has set up a Smile for a Mile group on Facebook to help spread positivity.

"It was a week like no other I'd ever had for bad news,” said the mum-of-two from Blyth. “I felt helpless as a friend and I just wished I could do something to help everyone.

"I thought wouldn’t it be nice if I set up a Facebook group where me and my friends got moving a bit more and made ourselves go out walking for a mile each day and intentionally look for things on that walk that made us smile – look for the beauty that’s on our doorsteps.”

"I set the group up and it’s run away from me. I’m astounded at its popularity and how lovely and positive everyone is on the site.

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"It has organically grown into being a page where people are posting constantly all day every day, whatever makes them happy each day regardless of whether they’ve been outside or not and members absolutely love seeing each other’s posts.

"I think there have been a lot of lonely people who have needed a group where they feel they are really interacting with real people about personal positive things.”

Karyn, originally from Berwick, has received messages and posts from members all over the world telling her that this group is a lifeline for them.

“It was originally just people from the North East who were members but now I’ve got people posting from New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Portugal, Spain, Canada, America, Hong Kong, and may other places – it’s just unbelievable,” said Karyn.

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The charity MIND is interested in partnering up for a mental health campaign in April.

To find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/787718641819216 and request to join.

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