Today Jo Swinson, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Wellbeing Economics, welcomed the launch of ‘Action for Happiness’ and called on the Government to provide a ‘framework for wellbeing’.

Action for Happiness is charity aimed at encouraging a shift to a happier society, by being a hub of trusted information, practical advice and exchange of new ideas. It is led by experts across a range of fields, including Professor Richard Layard, Dr Anthony Seldon and Nic Marks.

The aims of Action for Happiness fit well with those of the APPG on Wellbeing Economics, a cross-party group of MPs who have been pressing the Government to think more about how its policies affect people’s satisfaction with their lives.

Jo said:

“Happiness in this country has barely risen for decades, in fact, by some measures, it has declined; however, we can do something about it.

“The Government is starting to take action, by asking the ONS to measure National Wellbeing; now, both MPs and ordinary voters need to keep the pressure up to ensure that it uses the data from these surveys to inform policy-making.

“Action for Happiness can also help to collate research to provide information for individuals about what they can do to improve their wellbeing – research shows helping a neighbour in need, giving to charity or volunteering can all make a real difference.”

• The website of Action for Happiness can be found here:http://actionforhappiness.org
• The website of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing Economics can be found here: http://wellbeingeconomics.wordpress.com.
• Jo Swinson has raised wellbeing in Parliament, in the media and beyond on a number of occasions, including securing a debate with the Treasuryhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm071129/debtext/71129-0003.htm#07112971000025 and highlighting the cost of depression to the UK economy. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/suicide-and-depression-on-rise-across-uk-2137052.html