The 2019 Uplift

From exciting discoveries, to life-altering launches, we’ve come a long way in 2019. Here, we take a look over our favourite feel-good stories from throughout the year.

AUTUMN: Photographer gets under the skin of the beauty industry

From acne to eczema, 60% of Brits have experienced a skin disease in their lives. And yet it’s rare to see dermatological differences represented in beauty shots.

That was until photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor’s latest photo series, Epidermis, was displayed at the Francesca Maffeo Gallery in September, featuring 20 images of women with conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Having lived with severe acne, Sophie noted that all her role models growing up seemed to have flawless skin. Despite fantastic moves for body positivity, she believes we’re still lacking honest representation of skin conditions, despite their commonality.

Sophie shared the images on Instagram, and received hundreds of messages from people telling her how much they relate. So what does she want people to feel when they see the images?

“I’d like women to feel comfortable in their own skin, and to embrace their own conditions,” Sophie tells Happiful. “Perhaps the best way to change society’s attitudes is through acceptance, and this needs to come from ourselves. In turn, this confidence has a knock-on effect for the next generation.”

Browse the series and more at sophieharristaylor.com

Writing | Kathryn Wheeler

WINTER: Urban parks found to make us happier, and reduce stress

Research reveals the powerful effect that getting out in green spaces can have on our wellbeing.

Regardless of whether you’re exercising or simply enjoying the space, as little as 20 minutes in an urban park could make you happier, according to research carried out in February this year.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, in the US discovered that urban parks are key for providing residents in urban areas with the opportunity to enjoy nature, and try various outdoor activities.

Those who spend time in urban parks experience both physical and mental health benefits, including stress reduction and recovery from mental fatigue.

Speaking about the findings, professor Hon K Yuen noted how this impacts emotional wellbeing.

“Overall, we found park visitors reported an improvement in emotional wellbeing after their visit. However, we did not find levels of physical activity are related to improved emotional wellbeing. Instead, we found that time spent in the park is related to improved emotional wellbeing.”

While the study itself was small, co-author Gavin Jenkins said the findings should help to reinforce the call for conservation of existing urban green spaces, and the development of new ones. So watch this space!

SPRING: Royals launch a mental health text support service

In May, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched a text service, Shout, for those with suicidal feelings or other mental health crises. It proved a huge success, and an incredible 65,000 people used it during the trial. Speaking of what they learned, Prince William said users were “scared, frightened and alone”, and the most common issues were suicidal thoughts.

Throughout the trial, ambulances were called out on average twice a day to help people at active risk of hurting themselves.

“As texting is private and silent, it opens up a whole new way to find help,” said the prince. “You can have a conversation anywhere, at any time: at school, at home, anywhere.”

The service allows people to have a text conversation with volunteers who work remotely, and who have been trained to listen and guide people towards support. All conversations are reviewed by a panel of psychotherapists who can take control if they feel it is needed.

Another move to make mental health support more accessible, Shout is a very welcome and a very necessary resource.

Shout has been funded with money from the Royal Foundation, with the prince asking for support from volunteers. You can find out more at giveusashout.org

Writing | Kat Nicholls

SUMMER: Same-sex marriage is legalised in Northen Ireland

In a hugely anticipated move, MPs voted to permit same-sex marriage in Northen Ireland by a landslide margin of 383 votes to 73.

Up until the vote in July, Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK where same-sex couples could not marry, despite equal marriage being legalised in England, Wales, and Scotland in 2014.

Speaking at the time, Conor McGinn – MP for St Helens North – raised his frustration that same-sex marriage had not been legalised with the rest of the UK, but said that: “Tonight, we have a chance to do the right thing. People in Northern Ireland – and indeed across Britain and Ireland – are watching.”

And it was a long time coming. Opinion polls in recent years have consistently shown public support for equal marriage, with one poll from Love Equality finding that 76% of the public supported a change in law.

The law is set to come into effect on 13 January 2020, meaning that some of the first same-sex marriages will be happening on Valentine’s day – something that Patrick Corrigan, NI director of Amnesty International, celebrated as a fitting date for such a landmark event.

Love is certainly in the air – and a kinder, more equal society is just around the corner.

Writing | Kathryn Wheeler