A groundbreaking project focusing on the wellbeing of young people in Somerset has culminated in the release of an insightful e-zine. The “What Makes You Happy?” community project, funded by Somerset Council Public Health in collaboration with Spark Somerset, aimed to explore the factors that contribute to the happiness and mental health of children and young people in the region.
Over the course of a year, 30 organizations facilitated more than 30 positive activity sessions involving 620 young participants. These activities ranged from arts and crafts to sports, outdoor adventures, and cooking. Impressively, 85% of these sessions included young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The results were striking, with surveys showing a 48% increase in happiness among participants compared to baseline measurements taken before the activities. The young people cited the joy of collaborating and playing with peers, engaging in creative tasks, and enjoying outdoor activities as key contributors to their improved wellbeing.
Participants expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage in sports, games, clubs, forest school activities, and safe, supervised environments where they could spend time with friends.
The findings and experiences from this project are now showcased in a newly launched e-zine, which offers a detailed look at what makes the children and young people of Somerset happy. This e-zine serves as both a record of the project’s success and a valuable resource for future initiatives aimed at supporting youth wellbeing.
To explore the full e-zine and delve into the detailed findings, visit Somerset Council’s website. For more information about the project, check out the announcement on the Somerset Council Newsroom.
By understanding and fostering the elements that contribute to happiness, Somerset Council hopes to continue supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of its young residents.
