THE Dalai Lama has given his support to a new course designed to make Stroud a happier place.

Exploring What Matters will start in Stroud to help people discover how to live a happier and kinder life.

The course was developed by Action for Happiness, a UK-based movement of people taking action for a happier world, which has around 60,000 members.

It is supported by the Dalia Lama, who is a religious and spiritual leader among Tibetan Buddhists.

"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,” said the Dalai Lama.

“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."

Analysis of the course has found that it leaves people both happier and more pro-social, with participants reporting increases in levels of life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, compassion, and social trust.

Jasmine Hodge-Lake came to the course having suffered for over a decade with chronic pain which left her unable to work.

"I wouldn't be where I am now without Action for Happiness and that course,” said Jasmine.

“I found there were things I could do that would make a big difference and started to feel hopeful about the future.”

“I still have bad days and life certainly isn't perfect. But it has really helped me so much. Now I'm trying to be the change that I want to see.”

Exploring What Matters is an eight-week course and Anousia Smith will be leading the next one in Stroud.

It will take place at Randwick Village Hall, Chapel Fields, Randwick, Stroud on Wednesdays from April 4.

For more information visit www.actionforhappiness.org/the-action-for-happiness-course.