You have probably heard of the fellow in Sydney who has been giving out free hugs, but did you know that there has been a similar-minded group of people who have called themselves the Hug Patrol?

Founder, Maleny-based Arcadia Love, first launched the Hug Patrol in 1999, after coming to the realisation that people were missing out on something special. Initially, they started at Woodford Folk Festival, but since then they have also gone to nursing homes, other festivals, and recently at Australia Zoo.

“About 80 to 90 per cent of people respond well and are very appreciative of a hug," she says. “There are some who are tentative at first. But we always ask and never impose ourselves on anyone. Some of the responses we have received have been amazing.

“One young woman requested a hug from a father in the group, as her own father was away on a tour of duty with the Army. There was also a bunch of Muslim women who had recently been released from immigration detention.

"They later said that the hug they received from the women was the most beautiful thing that had happened to them since their arrival in Australia.

"Another woman, who had had a mastectomy, asked the women if she could be hugged on the side where her breast had been removed. When we go to aged care homes, it is very rare when the people there say ‘no’ to a hug.

"Even in the dementia ward, you see some light come on in their eyes. Older people tend to say, 'I haven’t had a hug in so long'. They are encouraged to not wait to be hugged, but to start giving more hugs to others."

Arcadia says that their offer of a hug is not always taken up. “At Australia Zoo, there was a mum and dad together with a teenager and a young girl aged about three years old," she says.

"The family declined a hug and that was respected, but the little girl instinctively held out her arms for a hug. We just give hugs where we can and respect what people are up to. Sometimes people are a bit suspicious at first.

"We are often asked if we are collecting for a charity or if we are part of some promotion. It is interesting that some people find it hard to believe that people would give something without being asked for something in return.

"We are very conscious of the need to behave appropriately, especially in relation to children. If we sense parents are not comfortable with their child hugging another adult, we have a teddy bear which children are invited to hug."

Arcadia says it is so beautiful to hear the comments after the hug patrol has gone past. “People tend to be laughing or smiling. Sometimes they say, that’s amazing or ask their partner why they didn’t accept a hug.

"My message to everyone is to go freelance. Don’t think you have to be part of the hug patrol to give hugs. Just ask permission first."

People interested in gaining information about the Hug Patrol can do so by sending an email to info@thehugpatrol.com

Ken Warren speaks at workplaces about becoming happier at work. Subscribe to his free newsletter through www.kenwarren.com.auand receive three e-books on becoming more satisfied at work.