Dozens of projects will aim to make people happy in Brighton and Hove.

Details of the 61 schemes were unveiled today to mark the UN Day of Happiness.

Samba dance classes for new mothers with babies, gentle exercise to music for the over 60s and a sensory garden for vulnerable school children are among projects.

The projects are aimed at all ages and backgrounds as part of a £261,000 project by Brighton and Hove City Council and the NHS.

Twenty mothers with children under one who are stressed or lonely will enjoy Samba dance classes with instructors at taster sessions and workshops run by Beleza Brighton.

Active for Life and Three Score Dance Company will offer gentle exercise to music in sheltered housing or care homes for old people.

School pupils will get involved in an allotment and a sensory garden at Blatchington Mill secondary, Hove.

For more details, visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/thefiveways.


Fresh air

Psycholgists say fresh air can improve your wellbeing so when the sun comes out, why not go to Brighton beach. 
Stroll along the beach towards Hove or to the Palace Pier for the fairground rides and other attractions.
And of course, whenever the weather is really warm, there is the chance to go for a paddle or a swim.
It takes less than an hour to reach Brighton by train so it’s also no surprise the beach is always a popular spot for London day-trippers.
But for those of us lucky to live in the county, there’s no doubt that simply sitting and enjoying the beach in Brighton can put a smile on your face.

Retail therapy

Shopping and browsing can cheer many people up and where better to do it than The Lanes in Brighton?
The collection of narrow lanes are famous for their small and quirky independent shops offering antiques, jewellery, fashion and chocolates. There are  pubs, restaurants and coffees shops to relax.

Nature

It is thought that nature increases people’s happiness and the glorious South Downs National Park is loved by walkers, runners, cyclists, paragliders and horse-riders. They stretch across the width of the county. A haven for wildlife, beauty spots include Chanctonbury Ring, Ditchling Beacon and the Long Man of Wilmington.

History

Learning new things can also boost your mood. There is a huge amount of history in the castles of Sussex. Pevensey has been besieged four times since 1066 and Hastings, Rye and Winchelsea were sacked by the French. 
Work started on Arundel Castle in 1068, Bodiam was besieged in 1484 and 1643, Herstmonceux was built in 1441 and Amberley was a royalist stronghold during the English civil war.

Worthing

Worthing Pier has just been named the second most impressive pier in the country – so why not go there to relax. The Southern Pavilion was refurbished in 2013 and the pier hosts shows nd the Birdman competition. There is no doubt the pier is looking in great shape for its age.