Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

At Catholic Care we want happiness for our service-users, staff, volunteers, and supporters. It’s part of our commitment as a Mindful Employer.

In the March edition of the charity’s internal newsletter our Human Resources Manager, Katrina Greenhalf, shared some facts about happiness:

• Positive emotions make us more resilient and have a positive effect on our long-term mental wellbeing.
• Happiness is contagious! Smiling is contagious and can influence those around us. Have a look at the beautiful photos of people smiling in an album collated by the United Nations.
• Happier people live longer.
• Giving is good for you.
• Happiness is a skill you can learn.

Several of our services will be marking International Happiness Day, and staff are being invited to write poems about happiness.

Today the United Nations will publish its World Happiness Report 2024, centred around the theme of happiness for the young, the old, and everyone in between.