The Penguin of Positivity was born out of an office-environment where colleagues were facing stresses and pressures with little to make them smile.
The Penguin started appearing on desks, in diaries, under keyboards, anywhere where he would be a surprise and timed to make the recipient smile.
Sometimes the penguin would be accompanied by treats – chocolates and sweets – other times he would work alone. His sole aim simply to make people smile, make them feel valued and bring a little ray of sunshine.
In a 2018 study, the suicide statistics for the North East – home of the Penguin of Positivity – were beyond shocking. Middlesbrough was classed as the ‘suicide capital’ of the UK with a suicide rate among males which is 70% higher than the national average.
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/health/middlesbrough-uks-suicide-capital-what-14237618
The Penguin of Positivity was shocked and upset by this, an unwanted accolade on his local area. Penguin knows that mental health is a complex issue which affects every individual in different ways, and that the support that people need is as unique as each individual is.
Penguin can’t fix everyone, but if he can bring a small smile to someone, or give them a little light in a dark day, then he knows he is making a difference.
He can’t be everywhere at once, though, and that’s why he has developed a range of calling cards and gifts to allow others to spread a little warmth and happiness to those around them.
