How Are We Really Doing?
Created by: Frances B. Lafferty, Hypnotherapist & Workplace Wellbeing Specialist
Date: June 2026
Welcome
The Northamptonshire Community Wellbeing Project 2026 was created with one simple aim:
To listen.
Behind every person is a story, and behind every answer is a real experience.
During June 2026, local residents across Northamptonshire were invited to anonymously share how they are really feeling, what challenges have affected their wellbeing, and what would make life feel better.
Local voices were heard from communities across Northamptonshire, including Daventry, Long Buckby, Northampton, Braunston, West Haddon and surrounding areas.
This project was not about making assumptions.
It was about asking:
“How are we really doing?”
About The Project
The Northamptonshire Community Wellbeing Project 2026 was created by Frances B. Lafferty, a Northamptonshire-based hypnotherapist and workplace wellbeing specialist.
Through her work supporting people with stress, anxiety, confidence, sleep difficulties and emotional wellbeing, Frances regularly hears how many people continue with daily life while carrying pressures that others may not always see.
This project was designed to create space for local voices to be heard.
The findings highlight common themes, encourage conversations, and provide insights that may help individuals, workplaces and communities think differently about wellbeing.
Key Findings at a Glance
Local voices shared that:
Stress, anxiety and sleep difficulties
were among the most common challenges affecting wellbeing.
Many people described themselves as coping
while also admitting they sometimes say “I’m fine” when they are struggling.
Walking, exercise, connection with others, sleep and nature
were some of the most valued ways people support their wellbeing.
Lack of time and everyday pressures
were common barriers preventing people from prioritising themselves.
Who Took Part?
Local residents from Northamptonshire and surrounding areas completed the anonymous survey.
Responses included people from:
- Daventry
- Long Buckby
- Northampton
- Braunston
- West Haddon
- Surrounding villages
Age groups represented ranged from adults aged 35 through to 65+.
25 responses
| Braunston | 2 (8%) |
|---|---|
| Daventry | 11 (44%) |
| Daventry, West Nort… | 1 (4%) |
| Long Buckby | 2 (8%) |
| Long Buckey | 1 (4%) |
| Northampton | 4 (16%) |
| Northamptonshire | 1 (4%) |
| Orangeville | 1 (4%) |
| West Haddon | 1 (4%) |
| Willoughby | 1 (4%) |
Key Finding 1
Stress, anxiety and sleep are affecting everyday wellbeing
When asked what had the biggest negative impact on wellbeing over the last 12 months, common themes included:
- Stress
- Anxiety and worry
- Sleep difficulties
- Work pressures
- Physical health concerns
- Caring responsibilities
Although every person’s circumstances were different, many people described carrying several pressures at the same time.
25 responses
| Stress | 8 (32%) |
|---|---|
| Anxiety or worry | 7 (28%) |
| Sleep problems | 7 (28%) |
| Financial pressures | 3 (12%) |
| Low confidence | 0 (0%) |
| Relationships | 2 (8%) |
| Work pressures | 5 (20%) |
| Physical health concerns | 6 (24%) |
| Loneliness | 1 (4%) |
| Caring responsibilities | 5 (20%) |
| Grief or loss | 4 (16%) |
Key Finding 2
“I’m Fine” Does Not Always Mean Someone Is Fine
One of the most powerful questions asked was:
When people ask how you are, how often do you answer “I’m fine” when you are actually struggling?
Many participants shared that they sometimes hide how they are really feeling.
This highlights the importance of checking in with others, listening without judgement, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable talking openly.
25 responses
- Never 12%
- Occasionally 28%
- About half the time 20%
- Most of the time 24%
- Almost always 16%
| Never | 12% |
|---|---|
| Occasionally | 28% |
| About half the time | 20% |
| Most of the time | 24% |
| Almost always | 16% |
Key Finding 3
People know what helps but life gets in the way
When asked what supports their wellbeing, people mentioned:
- Walking
- Exercise
- Nature
- Time with family and friends
- Talking to somebody
- Sleep
- Hobbies
The challenge for many was not knowing what helps.
The challenge was finding the time, energy, or opportunity to make wellbeing a priority.
25 responses
| Walking | 13 (52%) |
|---|---|
| Exercise | 18 (72%) |
| Spending time with family or fri… | 14 (56%) |
| Nature | 6 (24%) |
| Sleep | 8 (32%) |
| Hobbies | 4 (16%) |
| Talking to somebody | 8 (32%) |
| Reading | 2 (8%) |
| Faith or spirituality | 3 (12%) |
| Time alone | 3 (12%) |
| Reduced device time | 1 (4%) |
| Gym | 1 (4%) |
What Is Holding People Back?
Common barriers included:
- Lack of time
- Work commitments
- Family responsibilities
- Health challenges
- Financial pressures
- Lack of motivation
Modern life is busy, and many people described putting their own wellbeing last.
25 responses
- Lack of time 28%
- Financial Pressures 8%
- Family Responsibilities 12%
- Work commitments 16%
- Lack of motivation 12%
- Not knowing where to start 8%
- Lack of energy 8%
| Lack of time | 28% |
|---|---|
| Financial Pressures | 8% |
| Family Responsibilities | 12% |
| Work commitments | 16% |
| Lack of motivation | 12% |
| Not knowing where to start | 8% |
| Lack of energy | 8% |
Local Voices
When asked:
“Life would feel better right now if…”
People said:
“I had just a little more time to spend on me.”
“There was less pressure, expectations and things could be at a slower, more achievable pace.”
“I could sleep for more than three hours a night.”
“People were kind.”
“I could reduce my working week.”
These comments remind us that wellbeing is not just about statistics.
It is about real people and real experiences.
Recommendations
For Individuals
Small changes matter:
- Take short moments to pause
- Prioritise rest and sleep
- Spend time outdoors
- Talk to someone you trust
- Make wellbeing part of everyday life
For Workplaces
Organisations can support wellbeing by:
- Encouraging open conversations
- Recognising stress early
- Supporting realistic workloads
- Creating healthier workplace cultures
For Communities
Strong communities can:
- Reduce isolation
- Encourage connection
- Provide opportunities for people to support each other
Final Message
The Northamptonshire Community Wellbeing Project 2026 started with a simple question:
How are we really doing?
The answers showed that while many people are coping, many are also carrying pressures others may never see.
Sometimes the greatest support begins with listening.
Frances B. Lafferty
D.Hyp, CH, HPD (NCH)
Hypnotherapist & Workplace Wellbeing Specialist
www.laffertyhypnotherapy.co.uk
About the Project Lead
Frances B. Lafferty
D.Hyp, CH, HPD (NCH)
Frances is a Northamptonshire-based hypnotherapist and workplace wellbeing specialist supporting individuals and organisations with stress, anxiety, confidence, sleep and emotional wellbeing.
She is passionate about helping people create more calm, clarity and control in everyday life.