Here - Action for Happiness in Brighton

Transcription

Meet the men and women nominated as Brighton and
Hove’s Happiness Champions 2015.
Welcome to the first ever Brighton and Hove Happy List, part of a national network of lists
that recognise people who bring smiles and cheer to their community every day.
Happy Lists were born out of a need to provide an antidote to all those rich lists and
celebrity lists which worship at the shrine of the wealthy, the bonus-getters, and the tax
avoiders. This list honours a different set of values, and recognises those who work to make
their communities better adjusted places, leading to their cities and thus countries
becoming better and happier places too.
Nominations were made and 30 happiness champions were chosen (although you’ll notice
a couple of ‘shared recognition duos’, so you’ll actually find 32 names on the list).
So, who are this year’s happiness champions?
Read on to find out…
This list has been created in association with Action for Happiness, Happy City Initiative, The
Argus and the Independent on Sunday. Champions are listed in no particular order.
Layla Tully, Artist
Layla is an artist who works to help people have access to art and well-being, leading the
arts award at Peacehaven Community School, engaging children at Brighton Youth Centre,
supporting learning-disabled adults with the University of Brighton, organising arts trips for
local charities and facilitating countless young people to show work at B Fest Youth Festival.
She was nominated for dedicating her life to making art an inclusive tool to enhance wellbeing, and to help provide means for those who might struggle to access it on their own.
What are the most important ingredients for living a happy life?
“Creative engagement, friends and family, time spent in nature, living your beliefs.”
Duncan Baker-Brown, Senior Lecturer of Architecture
Duncan, who lectures at the University of Brighton, specialises in sustainable design.
Recently his work has raised awareness about the potentials of the waste we create and
cause from construction as well as our everyday lives. Using his skills and connections, he
demonstrates there is another way to design, build and live. His projects foster community
development and regeneration, and he engages people who others might disregard,
informing them and empowering them about their role within a more sustainable
society. Drawing on local apprentice builders, students and volunteers, Duncan works on
real collaborative projects that inform young people of all ages as to the exciting potentials
of sustainable living.
“Trust, love and support from either family or friends or if you are lucky both.”
Image by Infinity Photographic
Tim Holtham, Founder, Brighton Tennis Table Club
Tim makes people happy through helping young people (in particular) come together
around table tennis. He set up Brighton Table Tennis Club to support the personal
development of children and young people in Brighton and Hove, utilise his love for table
tennis and build a stronger, happier community for all.
“We need to be fulfilled in three areas 1. Family/ home. 2 Work/ school. 3. Leisure time/
community. Brighton TTC provides this community and extra-curricular activity. This helps
people involved find confidence to find work and do better at school. We all need passions,
hobbies, interests. It is what keeps us going and drives us forward in all areas of our lives.”
Lydia Sinclair, Founder, Brighton in Need
Lydia set up "Brighton in Need" in November 2014 to gather a few sleeping bags and warm
coats to those who needed them in Brighton. After gathering so much support and seeing
the difference this makes on the streets, Lydia couldn't walk away. She created a charity and
works hard making sure that most weeks she can get out on the streets of Brighton and
deliver much needed supplies to those most vulnerable. Over 300 sleeping bags have gone
out since Christmas, along with many other essentials for the rough sleepers’ survival kit.
Lydia brings genuine warmth and at least temporary happiness to those surviving on the
streets of Brighton. www.facebook.com/brightoninneed
Peter Ferris, Site Representative
Peter is the Weald Allotment and Gardeners (WAG) Site Representative but was nominated
for much more than that: for being a 'growing your own' guru, manager of the community
shop, tireless volunteer, friendly smiling face and cheery companion to all allotment
holders.
“Being content with everything you do on a daily basis.”
Sarah Hutchings, Literature Curator and Artistic Director
Sarah runs Collected Works CIC, the aim of which is to encourage reading for pleasure and
well-being amongst the most marginalised of our community. She has set up free reading
groups for people all over the city and runs City Reads and Young City Reads annually - two
reading initiatives designed to get Brighton & Hove reading and sharing books and ideas.
“Love, kindness, laughter and cats (of course)...”
Raksa, Customer Service Assistant
Raksha works in a supermarket in Brighton. She takes time to engage and listen to all she is
serving and as a consequence brings much light and happiness to many, many people's
days. She has been nominated for being always so cheerful that people ‘can't help but smile
back’.
“For me some of the most important ingredients for living a happy life are to be kind to
myself and others, as kindness go long way and to try my best in anything I do.”
Dominique Levack, Musician
Dominique is a singer, songwriter, musician, teacher and choir leader who works in
retirement homes, and with young people with mental health issues. She was nominated
for having a wonderful, brightening effect on all those with whom she works with and for
aiming to help them fulfil their potential.
“To live with as much music as possible. Not to judge others.”
Tom Bourner, Writer
Tom has contributed to the happiness of those about him in a variety of ways. He was a
committed and successful teacher and now his research interests include studentcommunity engagement. He is a founder-member of the ‘Action for Happiness in Brighton‘
group and his latest co-authored work, ‘101 Activities for Happiness Workshops’, is an
invaluable guide to spreading happiness in a structured fashion. He wanted to test out some
of the activities before publishing so co-ran a day-long workshop, in which all proceeds went
to Crisis, helping homeless people.
Rehanon Mackenzie, Blogger
Rehanon was nominated for many reasons, for embracing life with gusto, spreading
positivity, raising thousands for charity and for her voluntary work. She also suffered a
mental health breakdown five years ago, and rather than keeping this hidden, she blogged
as ‘Miss Demeanour’ about it to raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Week and to
support others who might be going through this experience.
Adam Muirhead, Youth Work Coordinator
Adam is the Youth Work Coordinator for a local charity and Vice Chair of the national
'Institute of Youth Work'. He gives much of his time (paid and voluntary) to teens and
people of his community, whether it is meeting them at the police station and sitting with
them through traumatic experiences or lecturing at the University of Brighton. He was
nominated for being a kind and giving person and for his positive influence on so many lives.
“I think it's about challenging yourself, giving you the chance to find out who you are and
have new experiences. Giving something of yourself to others helps too, your time, your
skills, your blood!”
Russell Arnott, Teacher
Russell is a science teacher and every month creates and delivers a 'science slot' at Sunday
Assembly (part of a global network of gatherings that celebrate life). Initially, this was a
one-off but it has proved so popular that Russell is now called upon most services to enthral
and educate around 200 people on a scientific topic related to the theme of the event. He is
always entertaining and inspiring, both for children and adults and his commitment to
sharing his love of science brings much happiness to the community.
“A sense of purpose and a feeling that you can make a positive difference to others’ lives no
matter how small.”
Cat Fletcher, Reuse Manager
Cat Fletcher was nominated for being an unstoppable force in the business of giving
unwanted items a second home and she is passionate about preventing waste. This enables
people in need to find good quality products at no cost, it helps support local community
projects, accelerates creative innovation and reduces the amount of waste to landfill and
incinerators. The benefits to the local community are massive, with free stuff going to
people who need it, a better environment and a community of people all helping each other
create a better world. http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/city-reuse-depot/
David Bramwell, Writer
David is a happiness star in Brighton. His hilarious and fascinating Catalyst Club evenings at
the Latest Music Bar give people the chance to talk about things they are passionate about
in a warm and friendly atmosphere. He is the creator of the town's best-selling guide book,
The Cheeky Guide to Brighton, and co-organises the Brighton Zocalo to encourage
neighbours to take a day out to bring their sofas outside and congregate in the open air. His
aim with the project is to rekindle a sense of community and it has been a big success.
“Follow your passions, be kind and loving, don't take sides.”
Thomas Lavis, Head of Creative
Thomas is Head of Creative at Lick Yogurt. They host ‘pay-what-you-can’ yoga classes every
Tuesday in their warehouse, and provide a rotating, free, 3 month residency for newly
qualified and aspiring artists from the city. Lick’s record label Lick Music currently has tracks
of local bands played on BBC 6Music. They also support Brighton Peace and Environment
Centre – who raise awareness on environmental issues.
Jo Mondy, Founder, LiveLoveHoop
Over the past 6 years, Jo has taught hundreds of people in Brighton how to hula
hoop, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to learn a fun and challenging skill as well
as reconnecting with their inner child! When she's not sharing the love of the hoop at kids
parties or by performing at local events, she's helping to run Hoop Jams - free get-togethers
where the community can share tricks and knowledge as well as make new friends.
Victoria Jackson-White, Sustainable Design Researcher and Lecturer
Victoria runs the Brighton Repair Cafe, a friendly, happy environment in which people can
learn how to make-do-and-mend instead of throwing things away. She is an incredibly
positive person, committed to creating a sense of togetherness in the community and to
help reducing unnecessary waste in a creative, enjoyable way.
“Being active and inquisitive and doing things that are in line with your values - even if they
challenge you - whilst surrounding yourself with people who get where you're coming from
and know how to have a laugh.”
Stan Rosenthal, Creator of Happy Cafés
Stan thought up the Happy Cafe idea which is about turning coffee shops into places where
people can connect together and learn about making their lives happier on the basis of the
researched guidelines of the Action for Happiness movement. The first Happy Café was
launched in Brighton last year with the help of the local Action for Happiness group and has
made a significant contribution to boosting personal and community wellbeing in the city.
Since then more Happy Cafes have been rolled out in Brighton and many people have been
inspired by Stan's idea to set up Happy Cafes in other parts of the UK and the world. A true
happiness champion!
“The Ten Keys to happier living drawn up by the Action for Happiness movement i.e. good
relationships, doing things for others, exercising, appreciating the small things in life, trying
out new things, having goals to look forward to, resilience, being positive, being comfortable
with who you are, being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Warren Carter, Founder, Moulsecoomb Forest Garden
Warren is a down to earth community champion who runs the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden
where kids who struggle at school can learn skills and get qualifications in a setting they
thrive in. He is also a key player in The Bevy community pub creating community cohesion
and creating pride in an often overlooked but up and coming area.
“For me, working together with people and trying to make a difference.”
Clare Rogers, Course Coordinator
Clare works at the University of Sussex and goes out of her way to introduce new students
to the joys of Brighton. By taking them on walks on the Downs, to the Lewes bonfire or to
for a BBQ on the beach, Clare helps students fall in love with Brighton through her eyes and,
as a consequence, she has friends all over the world. She has been nominated for being a
true Brighton happiness champion as well as being of the happiest people you could ever
meet.
“Living in the right place and being in the right job. In my case, living on the seafront in
Brighton and working at the University of Sussex.”
Alice Le Voi, Nurse
Alice is a dedicated nurse working with premature babies at the Trevor Mann unit in the
Royal Sussex hospital. She is an inspiration to know and works hard to ensure parents and
families are supported through a naturally difficult time. She was also nominated for having
a beautiful spirit and infectious smile and for seeming to be loved by everyone she meets.
Amy Stevens, President, Brighton Belles WI
As well as volunteering for many other good causes, Amy is the president of Brighton Belles
WI. Happiness is hugely important to her and she organises events designed to further the
members' happiness and also Brighton and Hove's community happiness as a whole. She
leads the other Belles through many fundraising activities, through meetings that educate,
entertain and help the greater good.
Edward Hartfield, Volunteer
Edward was diagnosed with various special needs as a young child and had an exceptionally
tough early start in life. Since being adopted, he has not only made a great life for himself,
but also tirelessly supports other people to lead meaningful and happy lives. He has
volunteered from a young age, supporting young people with special needs at Woodcraft
Folk, Amaze, Extratime and other young people's charities. He has a 'can do' attitude and
inspires other people to overcome challenges. Ed also loves dancing and brings joy to the
face of anyone watching him strut his stuff.
Duncan Blinkhorn, Community Activist
Duncan set up Brighton Biketrain which helps people find happiness riding their bikes in the
city. He championed the Lewes Rd improvements which have made lives much finer for
cycle commuters and makes it possible for younger and older riders to get to Moulsecoomb,
Falmer and Stanmer safely and happily. He set up Brighton Bike Hub, which helps people
learn how to fix their bikes for free and is the happiest bike workshop I know. As a Friend of
William Clarke Park he has put on the happy Patchfest community festival for the last ten
years. Of all his projects, he says the one that puts smiles on more people’s faces than any
other has to be the Brighton Naked Bike Ride - its tenth annual outing just completed.
“Don't slog for perfection let yourself be good enough; say 'yes' more than 'no'; get there by
bike and share a smile whenever you can.”
Photo by Lindsay Haskill from ‘What You Sow’
Josie Jefferey, Founder, Foodshed Brighton
Josie’s project, the 'Foodshed', at Brighton Open Market is a community hub and force for
positive environmental and social action. Using ‘Foodshed’, she supports other small
businesses in Brighton & Hove by providing an affordable platform for them to sell &
offering business advice, as well as organising screenings of inspirational films and teaming
up with EMMAUS Brighton to build an inner-city garden.
Peter Chrisp, Author
As well as being a prolific author, Peter is a keeper of Brighton's history - sharing facts and
photos freely and enthusiastically celebrating our heritage. He is also a hero of the arts
world, giving support, guidance and positive feedback that cheerleads other artists on and
encouraging them in their creative work. He is full of boundless joy and powered by
curiosity, empathy and a love of life.
Camilla and Ellis Bergman, Volunteers
Camilla and Ellis Bergman are among the many volunteers who host young people in their
homes for Sussex Nightstop in Brighton, a charity project for homeless young people. They
were nominated for their kindness, generosity of spirit and for offering many a warm
welcome to for those in need to stay in their home. Camilla also teaches yoga to people who
are recovering from addictions at the Cascade Creative Recovery Café on Baker Street.
“Community (friends, family, warmth & food).”
Maggi Hollands, Dog Warden
Maggie is a Brighton & Hove council-employed dog warden - she spends her time
monitoring dog owners and dealing with dog welfare in the city. She cares about dogs in
general, but also about the people who own them, whether they're homeless, or struggling
financially, and she really does her best to promote happy dog ownership. She doesn't judge
people, she just tries to help, and has dealt with much more stress than most people would
realise is involved in the job - and still she comes out smiling and positive.
Saskia Wesnigk, Teacher
Saskia is a teacher and volunteer coordinator for a charity but also always busy being
involved in Portslade community activities. She is part of many groups on a voluntary basis:
an art exhibition with local talent, music, tai chi, barn dancing, cooking, children's activities
and community allotment gardening, bringing happiness to those around her through her
enthusiasm and cheerfulness. She offers many people support and friendship, helped curate
the community art exhibition From Downs to Sea at the Brighton Museum and is currently
part of the ‘Portslade’s Got (Artistic) Talent’ Art Exhibition.
http://www.pvacg2015.wordpress.com/
Julie Wright & Jo Wren, Directors, The Grow Project
Julie & Jo have set up Grow, a project that helps Brighton people to be happy, by taking
them out into magical Sussex countryside to connect with the natural world and find a
deeper sense of wellbeing. The charity gives a natural source of happiness to people who
have suffered depression, anxiety and stress in their lives.
Thank You!
Thank you to all of the happiness champions for helping Brighton & Hove be a happier city.
Thanks to everyone who nominated a champion.
Even though not everyone could receive a detailed mention, thank you to the other
nominees for spreading happiness. Here are some of the other nominees:




Yellow Wave for being a happy, sunny and charitable venue.
Elsie West, 4, for passionately raising money for other children in need.
Diva Café for being a welcoming community hub on St James’ Street.
Phil Lucas, comedian, for spreading laughs with various creative projects.
Thanks to this year’s judges: Joshua French (Happy City Representative and co-organiser,
Action for Happiness Brighton), Valerie Chisholm (co-organiser, Action for Happiness
Brighton), Louise Rowe (Youth Offending Service) and Arron Hendy (The Argus).
Thanks to The Argus, the Independent on Sunday and the Happy City Initiative for their
great support and ideas.
Of course, there are many others who may not have been nominated but are also spreading
happiness in their own unique way in Brighton & Hove, so thank you to all of you as well and
maybe see you on a future list.
This was the first ever Brighton and Hove Happy List and we’d love to see it expand and
evolve, year on year. So please share this list and get the word out for next time!
Interested in meeting others passionate about spreading happiness and learning happiness
tips? Visit the Action for Happiness website, the local AFH Brighton website and come along
to one of our meetups.
www.actionforhappiness.org
www.actionforhappiness-inbrighton.org.uk
http://www.meetup.com/Action-for-Happiness-Brighton/

Here - Action for Happiness in Brighton

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