We have launched a new website and this page has been archived.Find out more

[Skip to Content]

21 November 2016

Charity urges churches to up the happiness index

Alliance member Livability is encouraging churches to confront unhappiness in isolated communities.

They have launched a new resource called Happiness, which is aimed at increasing wellbeing and building community.

More than 200 people have been trained to roll out the course nationwide.

Corin Pilling, deputy director of public engagement at Livability, said: "Churches have a key role in addressing community wellbeing, and many already make huge contributions to tackling isolation. 

We've developed the course because we want to help churches connect with their community in new ways - exploring happiness together helps build new connections and friendships."

Happiness was written by Livability with expertise from the world of positive psychology and personal development.

The course has already been used by community leaders across the country.

Rev Cris Archer, chaplain in the Royal Air Force, said: "Being away from home comes with all sorts of pressures - you are separated from loved ones for long periods of time. 

"I was looking for a resource that I could use to engage more positively with our community. I came across the Happiness course, and the name just grabbed me. Who doesn't want to be happy? 

"I thought this would be a great way to bring people together and a way for us as chaplains to engage with more people."
Alison Jones, a community worker in Tower Hamlets, south London, has run the course several times in her community, and said: "Participants were very enthusiastic about the course. 

"They told me it made them really think about their values – and their faith - and how they shared those values with their children." 

There is another opportunity for training to lead the course on 16 March 2017.

You can find out more about the course on the Livability website.