IOW blogger

Well-being in the 21st century is an important issue practiced in countries such as Holland, Sweden and Norway and therefore they prove to be the nicest countries to live in.  Britain ranks low, in fact we come 24th on the report, compiled by Unicef in 2008, which only goes to show that a lot needs to be done by the government and us as individuals to improve standards.  Hopefully one day we may reach the same levels as the Scandinavian countries. 

The IOW held two seminars, one in Nottingham and the other in London addressing the issues and areas in which we can all as humans benefit.  The esteemed speakers included; Professor Linda M Lightbourne, Indiana Wesleyan University; Dr Lorna Cork, LEA Advisor, Birmingham; Florence Cantle, Project Lead, Maternity Services, NHS Croydon; Jennifer Stoute, International Athletic and former Gladiator and Mike Kelly CEO at the Institute of Wellbeing.

Each speaker addressed different aspects of wellbeing, Dr Lorna Cork spoke knowledgably about the benefits of education and how government agendas must continue to encourage young people to pursue training and vocational opportunities.  Florence Cantle addressed the relationship between mental health and wellbeing, particularly relating to how mental health stereotypes and inaccurate assumptions must be challenged in society.  Jennifer Stoute emphasised the benefits of physical exercise and how it has enhanced her life and the lives of people she has advised and mentored.  Professor Linda Lightbourne wrapped up both events with compelling examples of how wellbeing can benefit communities and societies as a whole.  The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A session in which the audience posed challenging questions to the speakers resulting in a lively debate and exchange of views and ideas.

Filmed highlights from the events will be made available on our website in the next few weeks – so look out for it.