Wearsiders putting smiles on our faces

On the day we report that the UK has fallen in the global ‘happiness’ rankings it’s great to see so many Wearsiders determined to turn that frown upside down.

Nationally we have fallen to 18th place among 156 countries in the World Happiness Report which monitors the feelings of happiness in the world.

The UK has, says the report, suffered a dramatic mood swing.

Fortunately, as we reveal today, there are a couple of forward-thinking entrepreneurs aiming to buck that trend and provide some uplifting remedies.

Washington Nicola Bond has turned an idea aimed at cheering up her loved ones into a brilliant business. She had been sending messages of love, kindness and positivity to family and friends. It was so appreciated, she turned it into a business called Uniquely You Gifts. How uplifting is that?

Chef Ryan Riley too has brought a smile to the lips with his mouth-watering idea to help people whose sense of taste has been affected by Covid-19.

After producing super tasty recipes for cancer sufferers whose taste function was impaired, he’s brought out another cookbook for those suffering similar conditions due to Covid.

Ryan said: “We hope to inspire people struggling to find enjoyment with this carefully curated book.”

Both ideas have come out of a pandemic which has caused much anxiety in our society.

Thanks to uplifting people like Nicola and Ryan the future looks an awful lot brighter today.