Wellbeing: The word on everybody's lips

Always one to observe current trends, the Campaign for Learning is paying particular attention to the pursuit of happiness this autumn. Along with education secretary Ed Balls' recent commitment to promoting pupil wellbeing in schools, wellbeing directives are beginning to spring up in companies and government departments regularly. Many attribute this movement to happiness champion Professor Richard Layard, who has been calling for government officials to recognise the importance of wellbeing in policy since 2000. Founder director of the Centre for Economic Performance, Professor Layard became interested in wellbeing when, during the 1980s, he was able to show that though income per head was increasing, happiness wasn't. Layard's understanding of progress shifted from being about rising GDP to an increase in enjoyment of life, and he began working for this to be reflected in public policy.

For the Campaign's part, wellbeing will be a central theme during this year's Family Learning Festival, due to take place during the month of October. Physical wellbeing will be key to the concept, with a healthy family diet and exercise being emphasised as having a positive influence on all aspects of family life. For information on this year's Family Learning Festival and how to take part, please click on the above link or visit our website and follow links for family learning. Otherwise please contact Jamie Wright on 020 7766 0014 or by email at jhwright@cflearning.org.uk.

Wellbeing will also be given central importance at our upcoming National Learning Forum: Can we learn our way to happiness? The forum will provide an opportunity to debate the need for wellbeing policy in education and its impact on children, families and adults and will address such questions as 'do long working hours have an impact on family life, wellbeing and the happiness of our children?', 'how far are wellbeing, happiness and achievement linked?' and, of course, 'can we learn our way to happiness?'. The event is due to take place on 2 October 2008 in London. Speakers will include Dr Ilona Boniwell, author and senior lecturer on positive psychology; Lex McKee, believer in 'Entertrainment®', founder of LearnFast World Ltd and successful author; and Sue Palmer, author of 'Toxic Childhood', who will speak on her three-year research into the influence of contemporary culture on children's development - particularly their capacity to learn. To learn more about any of the above speakers, click on their name for further information. To book a place at the Forum click on the link above, alternatively contact Karla McLaren on 020 7766 0010 or by email kmclaren@cflearning.org.uk.

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