SMALL acts of kindness are helping to strengthen community spirit in Droitwich thanks to the launch of a new Facebook group.

Within less than 24 hours of going live, the Lend a Hand group has already helped its first person with someone offering to drive a woman to her doctor's appointment.

Jessy Paston, who set up the group, said she is delighted that it is already helping people and hopes to see more people requesting and receiving help on the group.

She said inspiration came from the Twitter campaign #LegUp.

As a family support worker, the mother-of-two had seen firsthand how isolated some people could be.

"My work makes me think a lot about communities and how people interact with each other.

"I see lots of isolated families these days especially new parents - you're a new mum with a mew baby and it is so overwhelming and you may not have that community support.

highlighted there is not communities anymore and I wondered why does every transaction have to have a cometary value.

"If everyone could help each other it would just be nice."

People are already asking for help with mobile phone repairs, collecting empty beer bottles as well as saying they are willing to lend a hand if anyone needs it.

Users are asked to make sure that if they meet up with someone they do so safely and

Mrs Paston, who lives off Tagwell Road and is also a photographer, hopes to see similar groups open up in other areas.

"It sounds a bit hippy-ish but it would be lovely if we could all help each other.

"I hope to get people to think about others and how they can help out or, if they need help, just to ask.

"I would definitely like to see it spread further."

The group can be found at facebook.com/groups/1054463244572216 or on the Droitwich News Facebook page.