When the news looks grim, maybe our Happy List can lift the gloom

We’re proud to highlight the efforts of local activists helping society, and to give our readers the chance to highlight people that they see making a positive difference

As journalists, we’re aware that reading the news can be bleak at times. This week we’ve been unpicking efforts to restrict abortion rights in the US, the relentless Brexit chaos, and the latest on Planet Trump.

The bright spots appear brighter in the gloom. That’s why we take the time to tell you about Girls star Lena Dunham raising money in exchange for social media comments, or George and Amal Clooney offering a double date in Lake Como.

But celebrities don’t have a monopoly on trying to make the world a better place. On the Lifestyle desk, we’re committed to championing individuals in local communities who are making change at a grassroots level.

This week, we wrote about Beatriz Carvalho – a university student who has created a colour-changing wristband that can alert friends and bar staff if someone is being sexually harassed on a night out. We also created a list of the ways readers can support women living in US states that restrict abortion rights.

It’s our job to inform the public not only of the injustices occurring across the world, but also how people can take direct action and have their voices heard.

It is in this spirit that The Independent recently launched its annual celebration of the great Britons whose awe-inspiring efforts can go unrecognised outside of their local communities. Now in its 11th year, the Happy List invites readers to nominate people (foster careers, environmental campaigners, youth mentors etc) who they believe deserve to be championed.

Previous Happy List nominees include people who have provided services for asylum seekers and climbed Everest for charity.

We are proud to highlight the efforts of local activists helping society and to give our readers the chance to highlight people that they see making a positive difference.

So, if you find your blood boiling while reading about the state of international politics or the increase in plastic pollution in our oceans, remember that there are countless individuals around the world making a positive difference. Better still, you could nominate one for The Independent Happy List 2019.

Yours,

Katie O’Malley

Assistant lifestyle editor