Hey team, its Chris here. We're moving to a monthly update so that the comms remain on target and we keep our promise of not spamming. I hope you enjoy - and if not, do email me with feedback at chris@tangokilomike.org
Financial Capability Programme with Westpac New Zealand
This is the first of two updates with Westpac.
We have been invited to participate in Westpac New Zealand's new financial capability programme, building upon the success of their "Managing your Money" financial literacy seminars. This opportunity promises to bring immense benefits to us, you, and our community. So, stay tuned in future updates when we'll share all the details!
The financial capability programme offered by Westpac New Zealand is designed to enhance our understanding of personal finance, improve our financial management skills, and equip us with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. By collaborating with Westpac, we'll have access to valuable resources, expert guidance, and tailored support that can significantly impact our financial well-being.
During the programme, you'll have the opportunity to attend workshops where you can delve into various topics related to money management, budgeting, saving, investing, and more. This comprehensive approach will empower us to take control of our financial lives, set realistic goals, and navigate financial challenges with confidence.
We are thrilled to be part of this initiative and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Westpac New Zealand. Their commitment to financial literacy and empowering individuals aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting and uplifting communities.
Here is a sneak peak at what is on offer. When more details are announced, we'll let you know.
Psychological First Aid Training for Westpac New Zealand Enhanced Care Team
Earlier this month, we had the privilege of presenting our comprehensive and groundbreaking Psychological First Aid training to the dedicated employees of Westpac New Zealand's Enhanced Care team.
The Enhanced Care team at Westpac New Zealand plays a crucial role in assisting individuals who are facing significant financial difficulties. Their responsibilities include helping people navigate these challenges and setting up appropriate management plans to provide much-needed support. Given the nature of their work, they are exposed to sometimes raw and intense emotions of customers..
Recognising the immense importance of psychological well-being in such a high-pressure environment, we provided this training to the Enhanced Care team as our way of saying thank you for the money management training provided earlier in the year. The primary goal was to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate distressing situations effectively.
Throughout the training, we covered various aspects of the four-stage crisis cycle, delved into the unique experiences of both the support providers and recipients, and discussed the potential outcomes when things go according to plan, or not! It was a tough conversation at times, but an essential one.
By empowering the team to identify areas of distress, initiate meaningful dialogues, and secure appropriate help, we aimed to enhance their ability to provide effective support to those in need. We firmly believe that supporting the supporters is crucial, and this training served as a valuable resource in achieving that objective.
We are both pleased and privileged to have had the opportunity to provide this training to the dedicated employees of Westpac New Zealand's Enhanced Care team. Their commitment to helping others is truly commendable, and we applaud their willingness to engage in this transformative learning experience.
Now, if you're part of a team or company that could benefit from this comprehensive Psychological First Aid training, we encourage you to reach out to us. We're here to offer the same level of support and knowledge to help your team navigate challenging situations and foster psychological well-being.
Self-care: A "Life Audit" for Personal Growth
I want to take a moment and delve into a topic that's been on my mind: the concept of a "life audit." I recently had a thought-provoking discussion with a therapist about this practice, and I believe it holds immense value for personal introspection and growth.
So, what exactly is a life audit, you may wonder? Well, think of it as a comprehensive assessment of three crucial aspects of our lives: ourselves, our relationships, and our pursuits. Through this process, we gain valuable insights that enable us to make positive changes and strive for a more fulfilling existence.
Let's begin with the first pillar: ourselves. This entails examining our habits and routines related to exercise, nutrition, and sleep. We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but let's face it, staying on track can be a challenge. However, by taking a step back and evaluating our choices, we can identify areas for improvement and make small yet impactful adjustments. Whether it's incorporating a daily walk, making smarter dietary choices, or prioritizing quality sleep, these incremental changes can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.
Moving on to relationships, the vital threads that weave the fabric of our lives. We all yearn for meaningful connections with others, be it family, friends, or even colleagues. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, we sometimes neglect to invest time and effort into nurturing these relationships. Conducting a life audit prompts us to reflect on the state of our social bonds and encourages us to take proactive steps to strengthen them. It might involve reaching out to loved ones, organizing get-togethers, or simply engaging in heartfelt conversations. Remember, genuine connections bring immeasurable joy and enrich our lives in countless ways.
Lastly, let's address pursuits. This refers to the activities, hobbies, and career aspirations that bring us fulfillment and satisfaction. All too often, we find ourselves caught up in the monotony of daily routines, leaving little room for the things that truly ignite our passions. A life audit urges us to evaluate our current pursuits and identify opportunities for growth and self-expression. It might involve dedicating more time to activities we genuinely enjoy, exploring new career avenues, or finding ways to derive satisfaction from mundane tasks. By aligning our pursuits with our values and interests, we pave the way for a more purposeful and rewarding life.
Of course, you can add more areas as you see fit. Here is an example:
The reason for considering how you're doing in these three areas is that it's very easy for us to focus on one or two areas, at the expense of neglecting others.
Awareness allows opportunity for us to find a better life balance. Now, while a life audit may sound like a serious undertaking, I assure you that it can be a quick and simple soundbite to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our aspirations, paving the way for personal growth and a greater sense of fulfillment.
Neville Johnson Book Competition "Sangin - then and now"
We recently hosted a competition where participants had the chance to win a copy of the compelling book "Sangin" by the talented writer Neville Johnson. The response was overwhelming!
Before we dive into the winner announcement, let me take a moment to tell you about Neville Johnson. Neville served with the British Army in Afghanistan, and through his experiences, he discovered the healing power of writing. Inspired by this transformative journey, he penned "Sangin," a captivating tale that not only chronicles his life events but also serves as a testament to the incredible healing process of writing.
Now, let's get to the exciting part—the competition itself! We challenged participants to describe what a hero means to a child. And let me tell you, we were blown away by the heartfelt and inspiring entries we received. It was no easy task to select a winner from the vast array of thoughtful responses from across the world.
But after much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce that the winner of the competition is none other than Ryan Ashton from Auckland! Let's give a round of applause for Ryan, folks!
Ryan's entry resonated with everyone on the judging panel, and his words truly captured the essence of what it means to be a hero. His winning response was, "It could be anyone of us... because it is in us as humans to help someone in danger get to safety." What a profound and insightful perspective, Ryan! Your words touched our hearts, and we couldn't be happier to award you with Neville Johnson's remarkable book, "Sangin."
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who participated in the competition. Your entries showcased incredible creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a hero. We were truly moved by your words, and we want you to know that each and every one of you is a hero in your own right.
So, as we celebrate Ryan's well-deserved victory, let's also celebrate the heroes within us all—the ones who lend a helping hand, offer a shoulder to lean on, and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Together, we can create a world where acts of heroism are celebrated and cherished.
Once again, congratulations to Ryan, and a big thank you to Neville Johnson for sharing his powerful story.
If you're keen on knowing more, check out this review. If you'd like to buy your own copy, you can get it here.
And that's it folks! Until next month.
Chris