Happiness Local Workshop in Valencia: Memory, Community and Well-being in Practice

On April 18th, 2026, a Happiness Local Workshop took place in Valencia as part of the Project Happiness in Practice: Positive Psychology & Community Resilience.

The workshop brought together participants for a shared experience focused on the theme “Historical Memory and Community Health.”

The day created a space for reflection, connection and learning, combining participatory methodologies with artistic and community-based approaches. At its core, the workshop explored how memory, place and relationships contribute to individual and collective well-being.

One of the central activities was the Empathy Circle, where participants experienced the value of deep listening and meaningful dialogue. This practice highlighted how creating safe and respectful spaces can strengthen trust, connection and emotional awareness within a group.

The programme also included a guided visit to Sant Miquel dels Reis, allowing participants to engage with the historical and cultural context of the place. This moment opened a dialogue between memory, territory and community, reinforcing the idea that well-being is deeply connected to the environments we inhabit.

The workshop was further enriched by intergenerational dialogue, encouraging the exchange of perspectives and experiences across different life stages. The day concluded with a musical closing, offering a shared and symbolic moment that brought together the emotional and relational dimensions explored throughout the workshop.

Facilitated by Domingo Ferrandis (European Social Art) and Salvador Espert (Consultorio Convento Jerusalén), the workshop reflected the project’s commitment to promoting accessible, community-based approaches to well-being.

Through experiences like this, Happiness in Practice continues to explore how empathy, culture and participation can support resilience, strengthen social bonds and contribute to a more connected and meaningful everyday life.