Happiness key to wellbeing

Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House is spreading joy through their new programme Happy'n' Healthy.

Project manager Lynda Peploe says a key component of the eight week pilot programme, which starts February 27, is geared towards finding happiness.

After attending a happiness conference in Australia with Waimarie manager Jane Landman last year, the pair were inspired to formulate a wellbeing programme for the community house.

"When you are happy you achieve so much and you are more motivated," Lynda says.

"The British Government is the first government to recognise the importance of happiness and is measuring it to help drive their social policy."

She believes that happiness is fundamental to being healthy and says 50 per cent of the population experience at least one depression episode in their lifetime.

"It is important to be in tune with yourself."

The programme will help people recognise when they are starting to feel blue and find ways to combat self-destructive cycles, such as over-eating.

Happy'n'Healthy offers an holistic approach to lifestyle developed by Lynda, alongside partner agencies such as Sport Waikato, Diabetes Waikato and the Heart Foundation, is designed to help people lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Some of the activities include Sport Waikato's Green Prescription to help participants achieve fitness without having to fork out for expensive gym memberships and a retro gardening group for beginners to reap the rewards of growing low cost, chemical free fruit and vegetables.

The programme also offers a walking group, exercise circuit, yoga, massage, supermarket tour and a Friday celebration to provide opportunities to socialise and for peer support.

For more information contact Waimarie; Hamilton East Community House on (07) 858 3453 or email waimarieham@xtra.co.nz.