Measuring What Matters: Understanding National Well-Being
How Do We Measure a Good Life?
“How’s life?” It’s a question we all hear often, but answering it isn’t always straightforward. What truly makes life good? Is it happiness, financial security, a sense of purpose, or even the presence of thriving wildlife in our communities?
At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we go beyond economic figures to measure national well-being—an approach that contributes to a fuller picture of how people in the UK are really doing. Our well-being data captures topics from mental health and social connections to environmental sustainability and cultural engagement.
And now, you have the chance to explore this fascinating area in our upcoming Bringing Data to Life webinar on Tuesday, 25 March from 16:00 – 17:00. Whether you’re a data enthusiast, a policymaker, or simply curious about how well-being is measured, this event will be your guide to understanding well-being statistics.
Why Well-Being Statistics Matter
Traditional economic indicators like GDP only tell part of the story. By incorporating well-being data, we can better understand the quality of life across different communities and make informed decisions that benefit society as a whole.
During this beginner-friendly webinar, our experts at ONS will walk you through:
✔️ How we measure well-being in the UK
✔️ Why well-being data is crucial for shaping public policy
✔️ How local and national decision-makers use well-being insights
Spotlight on Culture & Well-Being
We’ll be joined by guest speakers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to highlight the profound impact of culture and heritage on health and well-being. Their recent research reveals:
🎭 How cultural engagement can enhance overall health
🎨 The role of arts activities in boosting children’s self-esteem
🎶 How singing in choirs can improve the health of older adults
Understanding the value of culture in well-being allows the government to make better-informed decisions about funding, resource allocation, and public health strategies. This session will give you insight into how these findings shape policies that integrate health, education, and community development.
An Interactive Experience
This is not just another webinar—it’s an interactive session where you can ask questions and share your thoughts via Slido. Get involved, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding of how statistics shape public opinion and policy.
How to Join
The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, but if you can’t make it live, don’t worry. A recording will be available on the ONS YouTube channel afterwards, so you won’t miss a thing.
📌 SIGN UP NOW on Eventbrite and be part of the conversation using #StatisticsForThePublicGood on LinkedIn, X, and Threads.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see how data goes beyond the numbers—helping to improve lives and shape a better future for all.