Action for Happiness Northamptonshire hub announces new leadership structure to support future growth
Strengthening Governance and Building Future Sustainability
Farzana Aldridge joins the leadership team with extensive experience in governance and chairing organisations. Working alongside a recently expanded executive team, her appointment as Chair will strengthen the Hub’s organisational structure and support sustainable growth as the movement continues to expand across the West and North Northants, reaching more communities.
A New Focus for Co-Founder Dr David Smart
Following four decades of leadership in mental health and wellbeing, Dr David Smart will move into the role of Strategic and Academic Lead.
This transition will enable Dr Smart to focus on developing high-impact partnerships centred on Neighbourhood Health Creation, while also providing the opportunity to personally embrace the principles of positive psychology he has long advocated, spending more time with family, friends, his bicycle, and his local community.
"The NHS continues to place significant emphasis on prevention, digital innovation and community approaches," said Dr David Smart. "The recent University evaluation demonstrates how Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub can support people in taking positive action towards happier, healthier lives. By taking action together within our communities, relational care, we can build a happier and kinder Northamptonshire. With Farzana’s governance expertise, our strengthened executive team, and my strategic partnership focus, we are well-positioned to continue spreading Happierness and kindness, together across Northamptonshire."
Creating Measurable Social Impact
The leadership transition closely aligns with the findings highlighted within the Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub Evaluation 2025 report, produced by the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact (ISII) at the University of Northampton
The evaluation identified significant local impact, including:
• Developing a common language for wellbeing — bringing together statutory, voluntary and community partners through the evidence-based 10 Keys to Happier Living (GREAT DREAM) framework, which has been adopted by West Northamptonshire Council.
• Delivering significant social and economic value — the evaluation identified that for every 100 residents experiencing improved life satisfaction through programmes such as Happiness Habits, potential annual social impact could reach up to £1.3 million.
• Reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing — the report includes
personal stories demonstrating how engagement with Hub initiatives has positively impacted mental wellbeing led by trained Champions “acting as lighthouses” in the community. In financial terms, initiatives were estimated to generate health and social care savings of approximately £2,959 per person by reducing social isolation.
With strengthened governance under Farzana Aldridge and targeted partnership development led by Dr David Smart, Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub is ideally positioned to further develop its local community-focused approach and support healthier, happier and more connected communities across Northamptonshire.
Contact
Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub
Email: [email protected]
About Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub
We are the Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub—a local group of volunteers and partners working across our county. We are proud to be part of a global movement of people taking action to create a better world.
Our mission is to help our community thrive by turning the latest research into simple, daily habits. We believe that when we find ways to Move more, learn how to be Happier, and choose to be Kinder, we create a better life for everyone. We are always stronger when we do it Together.
Read more about the Hub here: https://tr.ee/TheHub