Psychology and sustainability: how to be more creative

4 July 2012
Media release

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

Psychology and sustainability: not recycling tips but how to be more creative

Are you interested in how to assess mental wellbeing? Have you ever thought about how positive psychology could change society? Gather with like-minded New Zealanders at the Mental Health Foundation’s special national wellbeing forum and help this country flourish!

The 'Flourish – Well into the future forum' in Christchurch on 30 July will feature six expert keynote speakers, each with a fresh take on the emerging ‘science’ of looking at what it is to flourish.

Chat with Aaron Jarden after he has shared his work on GROW: the best way to assess wellbeing.

Listen to Niki Harré, author of Psychology for a Better World: Strategies to Inspire Sustainability, talk about how positive psychology and wellbeing works to change society.

Ms Harré recently told radio host Kim Hill that sustainability to her is about “growth, happiness and flourishing, now and into the future”.

“If people feel good they are more inclined to be productive and work better with each other. Positivity creates openness and creativity and cooperation, and makes for better solutions.”

Ms Harré’s presentation will appeal to people working in the health and mental health sectors, and others interested in new ways to inspire creativity and collaboration.

Event organiser Freedom Preston-Clark says the forum promises to bring an abundance of fresh thinking on how to create a flourishing future for all New Zealanders.

“It will focus on practical ways that we can all work together – as individuals, business people, health professionals, local authorities, social service organisations and anyone of influence in the community - to build positive mental health, resilience and improved social relationships.”

Building on the success of 2010’s Flourishing event, the July forum will also include networking opportunities and energetic discussions.

“People will have time to interact with speakers and other guests in order come away with ideas they can apply to their particular situations,” Ms Preston-Clark says.

The forum is part of the Mental Health Foundation’s work to help people from different sectors learn from each other and play a role in reducing health and social inequalities.

“The ideas and practices that we can all engage in to support and develop good mental health are pretty straightforward,” says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive. “The resulting benefits are healthier workplaces with fewer missed days, improved physical and mental health, individuals who contribute positively to their communities, increased resilience and more.”

Other keynote presenters at the daytime session include:
• Well-known sleep expert Antonio (Tony) Fernando, on mindfulness and how to live in the moment.
• Eva Neitzert, senior consultant, Netbalance, bringing an economist’s perspective to creating a society with greater equality and wellbeing.
• Monique Faleafa, National Manager, Le Va, on making positive differences in the lives of Pacific people so that our communities can lead healthy lives.

Local heroes who are guest speakers at the evening function include: Coralie Winn (Gap Filler), Adam McGrath (The Eastern/Harbour Union bands), Bob Frame (Magnetic South), Henry Sunderland (Flowers in road cones) and Jade Temepara (Hand over a Hundy) – with guest speaker, Steve Gurney and MC Lindon Puffin.

Flourish – Well into the future
Register now: http://flourish2012.eventbrite.com/
Discounts apply for the first 100 registrations, as well as for all Christchurch residents.
Date: Monday 30 July 2012
Time: 9am – 4.30pm for day event & 5pm – 7pm for evening event
Venue: La Vida Centre, Riccarton, Christchurch

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