Lord Richard Layard, co-founder of Action for Happiness, and Alison McGovern MP visited Delapré Abbey on Friday 27th May to hear about the initiatives and work of Action for Happiness Northamptonshire in supporting the county’s wellbeing.
A small group of health care leaders, community leaders and social prescribers were able to share their experiences of shaping a wellbeing hub framed around the ‘10 Keys to Happier Living’ with Lord Layard and Alison. The hub is proud to be an Action for Happiness exemplar site for the international charity.
Dr David Smart, Clinical Director, The General Practice Alliance (GPA), said: “We were pleased to welcome Lord Richard Layard and Alison McGovern MP to Delapré Abbey.
“Over the last 5 years the hub has grown steadily. During this time, we have been able to support embedding the 10 Keys to Happier Living into the social prescribing offer from GPA; continue to grow a network of Happy Cafes across the county with regular online meet ups; and offer ‘Champions Training’ to support Health Care partners and businesses access the free resources on the Action for Happiness website to grow a social movement promoting positive mental health. We also offer these resources for patients.”
Lord Layard spoke after the event commenting “it is amazing what can be achieved by bringing community, health, culture and green space together under the framework of the 10 Keys, which aims to create more happiness and less unhappiness in the world around us, Northamptonshire is an example to be followed.”
Alison McGovern, again speaking after the event “I will take back the learning from today to Parliament and highlight the work of the Action for Happiness hub in Northamptonshire. The wellbeing of our communities is key to the success of Britain”.
The visit, which was organised by Northamptonshire Action for Happiness Hub in partnership with the General Practice Alliance, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Delapré Wellbeing hub partners.
Action for Happiness is a registered charity and a movement of people working together to promote a happier and kinder world. They have identified ’10 Keys to Happier Living’ that tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. These ten keys which include doing kind things for others, connecting with people, and exercising, underpin much of the wellbeing activity happening across the town.
GP owned and GP led, General Practice Alliance is the collaboration and linking of GP’s in Northampton to preserve, sustain and develop the local health economy.
Delapré Wellbeing is one of 37 projects from across the country to receive funding from the Thriving Communities Fund. The fund has been set up to support communities to address the issues that they face as a result of Covid-19. The wellbeing hub is designed to empower people across the town to take control over their health and wellbeing through cultural experiences, events, classes and more.
