As the COVID-19 lockdown continues to drag on and an increasing number of cases emerge, many people are experiencing stress, anxiety, loneliness and frustration.
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But amid the gloom, it seems more and more residents of the Illawarra are feeling inspired to brighten the days of others through creative gestures.
Simone Kerr and her three-year-old son Samuel are among those who have found themselves on the receiving end of a random act of kindness.
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They were in Kanahooka Park when they came across a 'worry worm' a little crocheted creature accompanied by a note that read: "I'm a little Worry Worm made especially for you! I carry happy thoughts with me, in case you're feeling blue. Sometimes life is hard, but your burdens we can share... You've found me at the perfect time, to show you that I care".
Mrs Kerr said the simple gesture had a big impact on her and Samuel.
"The act of kindness meant a lot to us as I worry about how lockdown and not seeing any family or friends in person has been affecting him," she said.
"He was so happy to find the worry worm and takes it everywhere with him now, it's nice to know that others care about the mental health of everyone."
The note with the worm indicated it was from a member of the Facebook group Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, which has almost 77,000 members from across the world and aims to inspire people to "make the world a bit lighter and brighter".
Meanwhile, Dapto resident Yasmin Bilton's kind gesture put smiles on the faces of her neighbours.
Last month she baked about 50 Anzac biscuits, packaged them up with the recipe, and delivered them anonymously to people in her street.
Miss Bilton said she loved baking and had seen a marked change in her street - which was usually "full of life" during lockdown.
"I wanted to give people something to cheer them up," she said.
She said she regularly had COVID tests and wore gloves and a mask while making the biscuits to ensure they were safe for the recipients.
One of her neighbours posted about their find and their gratitude for the gesture on social media, and while some commenters expressed some concern, many said it was a thoughtful and kind act.
"I'm a very empathetic kind of person... So it was lovely to see people enjoying them," Miss Bilton said.
Many people have also joined in on the fun of rock painting, decorating rocks and leaving them for others to find, while other gestures people have encountered include snack parcels and having their order paid for by another customer at a drive-through.
Wollongong and Shellharbour residents are heading into their 11th week of lockdown, while Kiama is facing restrictions until at least Saturday, September 11.
People are encouraged to check in with family and friends, and see how they are doing.
Lifeline Australia chair John Brogden has also urged people to look after their own mental health by keeping a routine, moving and getting fresh air, remembering this situation will come to an end, and reaching out for help if needed.
For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. Mental health advice is available from Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, while the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 can connect people with mental health services. In an emergency, call triple-0.
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