This week, we celebrate 39 people from Brighton for their work increasing the happiness of others around them. Brighton’s 2017 HappyList includes people from all walks of life, whose care for sick, lonely, homeless, displaced and suffering people is inspirational, and others whose contributions bring joy and personal growth which is infectious. The constant stream of small kindnesses definitely lights up the streets!

It’s the third year Action for Happiness in Brighton have teamed up with the Happy City Initiative to produce the list, and together we’ve developed a How To HappyList Guide for others to produce their own place-based HappyLists anywhere in the UK.  The celebration event created by the Brighton team adds value in its own right, as the new Happiness Champions inspired each other with tales of the things they do, what motivates them, and advice for others.

Happy City’s version of place-based HappyLists is much more than a mere celebration of people’s good deeds – it’s a power tool that sets off a chain reaction, helping light-bringers in their work.

• nominators feel good about nominating others
• nominees get a boost of appreciation, becoming part of a fellowship where there’s mutual support
• ideas, activities, people and places which increase happiness get free PR – often with an injection of new energy
• more people are inspired to make a difference where they are, setting off the whole chain again.

Watch this space for Bristol’s 2017 HappyList, which will be published on 20 December, when we’ll also sneak in a bit of recognition for the champs behind the Champs in Brighton – they thoroughly deserve it!

If you’d like to start a list wherever YOU are in 2018, please write to mike@happycity.org.uk

Mike Zeidler, Happy City