Sevenoaks District named the 'happiest' in Britain

Sevenoaks District has been named as the 'happiest' district in the country, with researchers finding that neighbourhoods with the highest levels of voluntary work have less crime, happier and healthier residents and better schools.

The report, which was compiled by Essex University and published in today's 'Daily Telegraph' newspaper, noted that 37% of residents in Sevenoaks District said that they were 'very satisfied with life', the highest figure of the 101 authorities that were surveyed.

The statistics from the report suggested that communities where a lot of volunteering took place tend to be communities where people are satisfied with their lives.

Mandy Wynne from Sevenoaks and Edenbridge Volunteer Centre, says: "Sevenoaks District is rich in volunteering potential.  Although volunteering appears to be on the decline in Britain, the Volunteer Centre in Sevenoaks has seen a 250% increase in volunteers registering over the past three years.  Volunteering changes lives, and volunteers often tell us they get as much, if not more, out of the volunteering experience than the person receiving the help."

Jocelyn Wright, from the Swanley Volunteer Centre, says: "Volunteers from Swanley and New Ash Green contribute more than 100 hours a week of their time and skills to their community - and that's just the volunteers organised by the Swanley and New Ash Green Volunteer Centre. Others give time with the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Age Concern Day Centre, the MIND Drop In centre, Cygnet Club, local schools, as well as the charity shops. They all agree with the findings of the Essex University report - volunteering is good for your self confidence, it's fun and the feeling your efforts contribute to the well being of local residents is very satisfying."

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to working with the voluntary sector, with sections of the Community Plan and the Public Sector Agreement with Kent County Council dedicated to maintaining and encouraging its vibrancy.

Cllr Felicity Broomby, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Development, says: "The results of this report are naturally very encouraging and show that there is certainly a 'feelgood' factor in the District brought about by the range of cultural and community services that residents take part in. We recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers in creating caring and vibrant communities and I would like to thank everyone who gives up their time for the benefit of others."

Residents wishing to volunteer can call the Sevenoaks and Edenbridge Volunteer Bureau on 01732 454785 or Swanley Volunteer Centre on 01322 669292.