We are delighted to welcome Farzana Aldridge as our volunteer Chair of the executive board and Rachel Page as our Operational and Delivery Lead. Charlie Hastie Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities spoke of the benefits to health of small behaviour changes especially if in Altruistic August we do them together. He shared his personal interest in relationship with health, nutrition and mood and importance of the new science of gut biome. Small healthier changes in diet, movement and happiness would have impact on our local communities if we take action together.

Cllr Hastie shares: “ We recognised the importance of prevention, Earley support and strong community networks and improving Wellbeing. We are proud to support Action for Happiness in Northampton show Ann and it’s Community of practice which brings together organisations and community leaders who share a common goal of helping people thrive.

The enthusiasm and collaboration demonstrated through this program shows what can be achieved when local partners work together. We encourage anyone interested in improving their own well-being, or supporting others, to get involved with the free www.10daysofhappiness.org challenge”

The evidence of impact of the AfHNHub was celebrated, sharing the recent University of Northampton Evaluation with statistically significant change in wellbeing for people staying in contact and using the free evidence-based resources this and other resources are available on the AfHNHub resource directory.

The local AfHNhub purpose is to bring the science of happiness to support local people being happier and kinder in accessible ways. This is through both digitally and face to face communications, meetings and events. It uses the memorable GREAT DREAM 10 Keys to Happier Living framework available on the free app.

Miranda Wixon chair of the VCFSE Assembly shared experiences of hyperlocal community work with champions and volunteers in the Happy Brackley programme, building on learning from work with Moulton Parish Council, with emerging work in Towcester and Brixworth.

This brings partner organisations together with a focus on wellbeing and social networks.

Miranda Wixon shares “Action for Happiness is a glue that brings different organisations and small often overlooked local groups together. Happy Brackley has enabled the happiness and hard work of volunteers to shine and opportunities appreciate each other – what’s not to like of being happier together. Let’s see where this ripple leads”

The AfHNhub is funded through:

• Happier Families project in Towcester funded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation 

• Coordinator and backoffice costs through a National Lottery Grant 

• Happiness Clubs for children and young people, in partnership with schools and libraries funded by Prevention Pillar of the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative.

• Parish Council partnership funded by Brixworth Parish Council

• Happy Brackley partner project with Food for Thought

• The COP celebrated recent award of 2-year Community of Practice funding from West Northamptonshire Council

Our next Community of Practice; Thursday 26th November, 2:00–4:30pm, at Delapre Abbey, Northampton.  You can book your space here.

By taking local action together, we continue to build a kinder, more resilient Northamptonshire.