As part of the LGA Conference the IDeA hosted a workshop on ‘Wellbeing and Resilience in the Recession' for elected members and officers attending this year's LGA Conference in Harrogate.

The session showcased the work of the Local Wellbeing Project, a partnership between the Young Foundation, IDeA, Professor Lord Richard Layard of the LSE and South Tyneside, Manchester and Hertfordshire councils.

Nicola Bacon, Local Projects Director at the Young Foundation spoke about resilience and wellbeing - looking at what people need to thrive through the downturn.

It was held at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate at 18:30 on 30 June 2009.

The Local Wellbeing Project

The Local Wellbeing Project is a unique initiative launched in 2006 which aims to test out practical ways of improving both individual and community wellbeing and resilience in three very different areas of the UK - Hertfordshire, Manchester and South Tyneside. The project brings together the three local authorities with the Young Foundation, one of the world's leading centres for practical social innovation; Professor Lord Richard Layard from the LSE's Centre for Economic Performance, who has led much of the debate about promoting happiness in public policy, and the Improvement and Development Agency, leaders in local government innovation. It is also backed by the key government departments, including Communities and Local Government; Department for Children Schools and Families; Department of Health; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the National Apprenticeship Service, and the Audit Commission.

Click here for more information on the project.