In today’s recessionary Britain, where the incidence of anxiety, insecurity and fear is likely to increase and where trust in institutions remains low, dreams acquire a new importance.  Dreams and wishes can represent an untapped source of strength as well as creativity in imagining new alternatives and lifestyles for the future.

This snapshot of British lives illustrates people’s potential to increase their wellbeing, agency and resilience in difficult times.  Wishful thinking means individuals can re-imagine themselves and create innovative solutions for their futures.  By neglecting creative thought, children would not be able to picture who they want to be when they grow up; people would not aspire to do better, socially, professionally and financially; and civic movements would lose momentum.  If people were encouraged to envisage possible futures and cultivate their imagination, society would certainly be healthier, more resilient and aspirational.

The research is fully based on speaking to people (anonymously) in four very different areas around the country – Kings Lynn, Manchester, Dummer and Harlow.  It provides a representative portrait of everyday life in Britain, of changing hopes, fears and aspirations beyond the statistics and the media headlines.  The findings are compiled in a pamphlet launched on Tuesday 23 June 2009.

 

This projected is generously supported by Tesco.

To get in touch, please contact Silvia.