"Founders Pledge recommends AfH as an evidence-based charity with a strong track record. They use an innovative integrated model, combining behaviour change nudges and community building.
Our evaluation finds their interventions to be a highly cost-effective way of improving people's wellbeing"
Our impact in numbers
30 million+ people reached each year on socials
800,000+ people are part of our movement
15,000+ participants in community courses
3,600+ trained volunteers
+1.0 increase in life satisfaction (RCT evidence)
< £20 per WELLBY (highly cost-effective)
Our impact on people 
AFH unlocks a new way of being in the world and it is life-changing. I am braver, kinder and happier than I was this time last year, before AFH entered my life
I was suffering from depression. AfH gave me hope and something to look forward to each day and I began to feel like part of a community
One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing the positive impact on our participants week after week
I've attended one course which was awesome. The connections were authentic and deep. The quality of the AfH content was excellent
Really helped me through the two darkest years of my life, gave me hope
One participant said the evening had been like one big warm hug. Another said that the community of AFH was all that was really needed
Taking action for mental wellbeing
We deliver measurable improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
- Significant reductions in anxiety and depression
- Clinically meaningful improvements in Life Satisfaction (increases of around one whole point on the 0-10 scale, from an average of 6.4 out of 10 before the course to 7.4 after the course)
- Sustained impact at 6–12 months
Taking action earlier
We reach people before problems become acute. Filling a critical gap in access to preventative support.
- 75% of participants report mild to severe anxiety
- Many fall below NHS thresholds for support
- Participants typically start with below-average wellbeing
Taking action together
We bring people together to strengthen connection, trust and community resilience.
- Increased sense of belonging across diverse groups
- 90% feel part of a movement for positive social change
- Greater compassion and social trust
By creating inclusive spaces where people take action together, we help rebuild the relationships and shared sense of agency that underpin strong, connected communities.
Taking action that lasts
We enable sustained behaviour change.
- 35% of members take regular positive action
- 7% take action daily
- Participants go on to become volunteers and facilitators
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle of impact, where people benefit and then help others.
Taking action based on evidence
We share the science of happiness.
- Our Ten Keys to Happier Living framework is based on thousands of peer-reviewed studies
- Our course has been evaluated in a full randomised controlled trial (RCT) by leading academic experts. The trial found that the course delivers large and statistically significant benefits
- Our co-founder, Lord Richard Layard, is the UK's foremost wellbeing economist, and we maintain close relationships with leading academics and institutions worldwide
Our Model
Scalable digital engagement
Community-based delivery
Volunteer-led action
We translate the science of wellbeing into practical, repeatable actions that people can apply in their daily lives. These small actions, when taken consistently, lead to measurable improvements in mental wellbeing.
Our digital platforms enable us to reach millions, while our local groups provide the depth, accountability and social connection needed for lasting change. This combination of scale and human connection is central to our impact.
By embedding our programmes in communities and enabling participants to become volunteers, we create a self-sustaining model where impact continues to grow beyond the initial intervention.
All of our work is underpinned by rigorous evaluation, including large-scale data collection and independent academic research, ensuring we continuously learn, improve and maximise impact.
We only achieve this impact through strong partnerships.
Funders and partners enable us to scale our work, reach underserved communities and continue to develop and evaluate effective interventions.
In turn, we offer:
- Proven, evidence-based programmes
- A highly cost-effective model
- The ability to reach large and diverse audiences
Together, we deliver measurable improvements in wellbeing and stronger, more connected communities.
We’re always keen to connect with others who share our commitment to improving wellbeing and strengthening communities - please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
Download the FREE Action for Happiness app for iOS or Android
Gives you friendly nudges with an action idea each day Sends you inspiring messages to give you a boost Helps you connect & share ideas with like-minded people
