A NEW survey will highlight how happy, connected and active people are and will also provide an insight into the well-being of people living in Gwent.

The survey launched on Monday, January 15 - the day recognised as Blue Monday - which is said to be the "most depressing day of the year" with people's moods having been affected by their post-Christmas finances, the bad weather and the long wait for summer.

Torfaen Public Service Board will be hosting a wellbeing day at Pontypool Market on Wednesday, January 17 where residents will be encouraged to take their happiness pulse.

It is designed by Bristol based charity and social enterprise Happy City, who are world-leaders in helping support better measurement and policy to support long term wellbeing in communities.

The chief executive, Liz Zeidler, said: "The Happiness Pulse is a unique tool that helps individuals explore their own long term happiness, whilst helping communities map the wellbeing strengths and needs of all their citizens.

"By supporting thousands of local people to take their pulse this month, Gwent local authorities, businesses and community organisations are demonstrating their pioneering commitment to understanding and improving the lives of people across the region."

The Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 has led public services in Wales to think long-term, work better with people and communities and each other, look to prevent problems and take a more joined-up approach.

Public Service Boards are implementing this with the publication of Well-being Plans in May 2018.

The survey gwent.happinesspulse.org is now available for people to fill in.

Residents are encouraged to fill in a simple online survey by Wednesday, February 28.