"After I lost all my happiness, finally I am start collecting some happiness from the beginning. I will never forget those who makes me happy."

That message arrived after a day out organised through Migrant Help's Hope Exchange.

It stayed with us because it captured something many people told us during A Million Acts of Hope, a nationwide campaign celebrating the everyday acts of kindness, care and connection that bring people together.

As part of the campaign, Migrant Help supporters helped fund practical opportunities through [Migrant Help's Hope Exchange]: a packed lunch, a visit to a garden, a day by the sea, a football match or simply the chance to spend time with other people.

Over the past few weeks, those small acts of support helped create opportunities for people seeking safety across the UK to get out, try something new and connect with others.

The feedback afterwards showed just how much those opportunities mattered.

Feeding animals for the first time

For one parent, the highlight of the day was watching their child experience something completely new.

"I am glad because first time my child feed animals in London. And see nature. Our group is very nice."

It was a simple moment. But for that family, it became a memory they will carry with them.

Across the activities, families spoke about spending time together, exploring new places and enjoying experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Happy to meet new people 

One group visited Kew Gardens, where they spent the day exploring one of London's most famous green spaces. What people remembered most wasn't the destination. It was the company.

"I'm excited to go to Kew Gardens, but I am more excited to go with people and new friends because it is better to share the experience together."

During the journey, people shared stories, talked about their lives and got to know one another. Many revealed that although they had been living in the same temporary accommodation for more than a year, they had never really spoken to one another and rarely left except for essential appointments.

By the end of the day, they were sharing experiences, helping each other with pushchairs and making plans to stay in touch.

A husband later told us:

"My wife has gone through a very difficult life, which still affects her mentally, and today was the happiest day for her. She is so happy and I am happy to see her like this."

When it was time to return home, many were reluctant to leave.

A chance to get out

Whether it was a trip to the beach, a football activity, a museum visit or a picnic in the park, many people described the chance to get out, spend time outdoors and focus on something positive for a few hours.

One participant reflected: "I am so excited and thankful today. I chose to come because I wanted to go out of the camp. My emotions today are a mix of happiness and peace."

Later, standing at the top of a tower overlooking the coast, another participant told us:

"Today, I felt happy when we climbed on top of the tower, I saw the view from above. I feel hopeful because of the good people around me."

For another, the day offered something equally valuable:

"This trip helped take my mind off the stress in difficult times."

Small practical things, real impact

One thing we heard repeatedly was that the barriers to joining activities are often practical rather than complicated.

Travel costs add up. New places can feel intimidating. Going somewhere alone can be daunting. For people living in temporary accommodation or facing uncertainty, even a simple day out can feel out of reach.

That's why the Hope Exchange focused on practical support. A packed lunch. A chance to spend time outside. An opportunity to meet someone new.

Reflecting on the activities, what people told us they remembered wasn't the lunch or even the destination.

It was the conversations. The new friendships. The moments of peace.

And the feeling that, for a few hours at least, they could simply enjoy being together.

One participant summed it up simply:

"Hope is when you have someone or something to hold on to."

A Million Acts of Hope was built around a simple idea: that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Thanks to everyone who donated through the Hope Exchange and helped make those moments possible.

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There are a number of essential items that need support this week. If you're feeling inspired by the stories above or are simply looking for a practical way to make a positive difference, please take a look at the Hope Exchange.

See what needs funding