I hope...
As parties vie for votes with promises they may or may not keep, Tortoise is asking public and not-so-public figures for the one thing they hope for from Britain's next government.
I hope the next government prioritises the wellbeing of people over mere GDP growth.
Every area of policy has implications for our wellbeing, so it’s vital that whoever ends up in No10 considers every single policy decision through a wellbeing lens to ensure a healthier, happier, fairer society.
After all, wellbeing is a science: it can be measured, and improved.
But although the ONS (Office for National Statistics) has been tracking life satisfaction – the most reliable measure of population wellbeing – since 2011, these efforts have not been matched by effective actions to address declining trends.
The incoming administration must rise to this challenge, because wellbeing is a fundamental human right. Plus, research shows that when you focus on improving wellbeing, a stronger economy follows.
Prioritising the wellbeing of people extends beyond essential healthcare investments, to also encompass preventative services: from promoting grassroots sports, to designing affordable housing and transport systems that facilitate social connection, to supporting social prescribing, expanding mental health services, and so much more.
Sarah Cunningham, MD of the World Wellbeing Movement
