Last week, I was honoured to be invited to talk on the same stage as the Dalai Lama for Action for Happiness, talking about our Happiness Clubs.

At the beginning of 2015, we joined forces with Action for Happiness to launch ‘Happiness Clubs’, book-club style gatherings where you invite your friends to discuss Action for Happiness’ scientifically proven 10 keys to happiness.

We have over 1,000 Happiness Clubs globally now with an estimated 10,000 people taking part in monthly meetings – to help create a shared vision to create a happier, less self-centred world, with far few people suffering from mental health problems and far more people feeling good, functioning well and reaching out to help other people.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create happier communities, together we can create a happier world.

New Happiness Course

That's why I'm thrilled to announce Action for Happiness' new  initiative and course ‘Exploring What Matters'.

The Dalai Lama is already a fan. 'As patron of Action for Happiness I am delighted to see the work being done by members of this movement to create a happier and more caring society. I wholeheartedly support the ‘Exploring What Matters’ course and hope that many thousands of people will benefit from it and be inspired to take their own action to help create a happier world,' said His Holiness.

Based on the latest psychological research, ‘Exploring what Matters’ explores a 'big question' such as What actually makes us happy?, How should we treat others? and How can we create a happier world?

Exploring What Matters is run over 8 inspiring and interactive sessions which take place weekly and last for 2 hours, each one including:

• Mood boosters: simple activities that are great for wellbeing
• Expert view: an inspiring 15 minute TED-style video/talk from a leading expert (including Richard Layard, Ed Diener, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Karen Armstrong, Brene Brown)
• Personal view: a chance for people to reflect on their own experiences
• Did you know?: fascinating and surprising research findings relating to the theme
• Group discussion: sharing ideas in groups and listening to each other's perspectives
• Action ideas: everybody comes away with an action they hope to take as a result

Find out more about the course.

Action for Happiness is raising £35,000 to get it where it is needed most.

Support the Crowdfunder and help create a #HappierWorld

You can create your own Happiness Club with Psychologies https://lifelabs.psychologies.co.uk/channels/154-the-happiness-club

Photograph: Corbis