Wellbeing workshop a hit with Waikato millennials

Seed Waikato
Our place to thrive

31 July 2018

Wellbeing workshop a hit with Waikato millennials

WAIKATO Waikato Museum hosted a sell-out event last week with 90 young people attending Seed Waikato’s inaugural Dreamshop: See, Act and Do.

The event was centred on building positive wellbeing in young people, through facilitated workshops on vision, leadership and purpose.

“The unique attributes of millennials put them in a great position to be the drivers of social, cultural, economic and social outcomes,” says Chair of Seed Waikato, Gemma Major.

“Millennials are purpose-driven, technologically savvy, pragmatic idealists, collaborative and flexible. As the biggest generation of record, it’s important we understand the eco-system for success to support and empower them to thrive,” Mrs Major says.

“With 16 per cent of the Waikato aged 18-30, we realised a space was needed to meaningfully connect and grow, learning from inspiring leaders in an interactive workshop style,” says Stacey Fifield, Co-Chair of Seed Waikato.

“Young people are searching for tools, hacks and tips to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

Kendyl Morris, Head of Learning and Development, said the event was a positive step towards empowering millennials to improve their wellbeing.

“A wellbeing gap that doesn't include everyone hurts everyone. It puts a strain on our economy, it causes stress which makes us sick, and in the end it separates us from one another.”

“The event was focused on developing skills, and determining actions for a bettertomorrow, at an individual level, and as a community,” Ms Morris says.

At the end of the event, attendees used post-it notes to state their intentions for a better tomorrow:

“Dream big, and have no fears.”

“To be a source of inspiration and motivation for others like me.”

“Find a mentor.”

“Committing to visualising my dream.”

“I’m daring to succeed.”

“Just start, and everything else will fall into place.”

“Keep being kind to myself, be awesome, be brave.”

“Say yes to vulnerability.”

The evening’s guest facilitators, Cheryl Reynolds, Danae Cooney and Shelley Campbell, ran break-out sessions with a focus on transferring their expert knowledge.

Cheryl Reynolds, creative, social entrepreneur and philanthropist, ran a workshop on vision.

“Everyone can live the life of their dreams. I believe in the next generation, which is the largest generation on living record. I want to do everything I can to support, challenge and encourage them to drive the urgent change that we all dream of,” Ms Reynolds says.

Danae Cooney, expert facilitator and staff member of Waikato-based social enterprise, Interactionz, ran a workshop on purpose.

“Understanding your individual purpose as a person is pivotal to living a life of meaning and value. What an enriching experience it was, coming together with link-minded young adults to reflect on what we bring to this world” Ms Cooney says.

Shelley Campbell, award winning leader, and CEO of Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, ran a workshop on leadership.

“We all need to make the time and create space for young leaders to reach their potential. The talent and values of young people in seed assures me the future of Waikato business and community enterprise is in good hands,” Ms Campbell says.

Seed Waikato holds an event every month. The next event is Let’s Korero: Vulnerability. More information can be found here.

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