How a child's inspiring poem about being kind is helping other youngsters understand mental health

An inspiring poem written by a schoolgirl about the importance of being kind has sparked a huge response.

Holly Yates, 10, felt confused after learning about the tragic death of presenter Caroline Flack.

The former Love Island host was found dead in her London flat earlier this month. 

Holly spoke to her mum, Lisa Wood, who explained that is isn't always obvious that people are struggling with their mental health, and that many people don't talk about how they really feel.  

It inspired Holly to write a poem about the importance of being kind, because you never know what someone is going through.

Lisa, from Offerton in Stockport, said: "I came home from work and she was asking about Caroline Flack, she didn't understand that people can have issues without anyone knowing.

Holly talked to her mum Lisa, after feeling confused about the death of presenter Caroline Flack (Lisa Wood)

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"She'd had no idea, she thought people who were depressed would have locked themselves away in a room and be crying, she didn't know that people get on with their day. It's been an eye opener for her.  

"She had homework to make up anything she wanted, so we decided to do a poem."

Holly's poem about being kind

Holly's poem encourages people to show respect for each other, and show that they care because you can't always tell that someone is hurting.

Holly asked her mum to film her performing the poem for TikTok, and Lisa herself shared it to her Facebook page, where it has had a huge response. 

Lisa says other parents have been using the poem to help their own children understand issues around mental ill health.

Other parents spoke to Holly's school to praise her for her poem (Lisa Wood)

Parents of other pupils from Holly's school, Banks Lane Junior, have also contacted the school to praise her for her words.

Lisa added: "I couldn't believe it, it's just so special that so many people were showing it to their kids.

"That's the main thing, they didn't realise that it's not just that if you're sad, you'll be crying. You can be smiling and still be upset, it's a different way of looking at it.

"I'm so proud of her. She's always had a kind heart, everybody who knows her says she's a lovely girl, so for her to give that message was perfect for her."