This blog, written by Lles Cymru Wellbeing Wales’ Executive Director Dafydd
Thomas, contributes to the Wikiprogress Series on Networks. It explains the need for a new Wellbeing Centre for Wales and proposes that those who support the cause sign this petition.
To coincide with National Feel Good Day, an organization that
aims to influence and inform the debate about wellbeing in Wales launched an
ambitious Wellbeing Manifesto that calls on the Welsh Government to
establish a new Wellbeing Centre for
Wales, aimed at making increased wellbeing the number-one goal of public
policy in Wales.
The Centre, which
is the brainchild of not-for-profit think-tank Lles Cymru Wellbeing Wales
and
has the support of other charities across Wales, such as the Women’s Institute,
would be a world-class centre aimed at putting individual and community
wellbeing at the heart of Welsh politics. Drawing inspiration from prestigious policy
institutes like the award-winning Centre for Social Justice, it would combine the
expertise of those with a track record of effective political engagement and
policy-making; those with experience of delivering grassroots wellbeing initiatives,
including the voluntary sector; as well as academics and academic networks.
Lles Cymru Wellbeing Wales’s Executive Director, Dafydd
Thomas, outlines the background to the proposal: “Since 1998, when government
first set out its aims to improve wellbeing in Wales in Better Health Better Wales, we have seen big strides forward in
wellbeing policy, such as the draft Social Services and Wellbeing Bill, which
prioritizes wellbeing outcomes.
But there are still issues that need addressing.
Wellbeing policy often works on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ basis, even though evidence
shows that local contexts need to be taken into account. A concerted effort is required by multiple
agencies, working together, to realize the wellbeing ambitions in the
legislative programme - as no one agency has a monopoly on wellbeing. A
Wellbeing Centre for Wales would be a vehicle to focus everyone’s efforts and drive
change.”
But there are still issues that need addressing.
Wellbeing policy often works on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ basis, even though evidence
shows that local contexts need to be taken into account. A concerted effort is required by multiple
agencies, working together, to realize the wellbeing ambitions in the
legislative programme - as no one agency has a monopoly on wellbeing. A
Wellbeing Centre for Wales would be a vehicle to focus everyone’s efforts and drive
change.”
Lles Cymru Wellbeing Wales has also a petition to the
National Assembly for Wales to call on the Welsh Government to establish the
Centre. Additionally, it is calling on other organisations and individuals to sign the
petition in support.
The National Federation of Women’s Institute - Wales is
amongst the charities supporting the call. “The National
Federation of Women’s Institute - Wales is
all about wellbeing; the wellbeing of our members; wellbeing for the recipients
of our services. A Wellbeing Centre would bring clarity and focus to the
debate, so that we can be sure of exactly what we need to do to play our part
in taking this agenda forward.”
Copies of
the Wellbeing Manifesto for Wales are available at:
To sign
the petition visit for a Wellbeing Centre for Wales please visit:
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