Panel Discussions

The Impact of Cheering on Young People

The many pressures and expectations being faced by young people today makes it harder than ever before for them to find motivation, according to Brett Ryan from Focus on the Family.

Whether the pressures from the people around them, their social media feeds, or self imposed, the fast paced nature of modern life juxtaposed with the slower pace of emotional, physical, social and spiritual development can impact a young person's desire to reach their potential.

Finding family outside the box

“The notion of family”, says Mike Gore from Charitabl., “is incredibly fluid. It’s always changing.”

Mike has a unique family story. Born in India and adopted at six months old by an Australian family, he was a 'dark skinned kid' who grew up in one of the whitest neighbourhoods in Sydney. He is  joined by Emmylou Brasser, from the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services, and by Brett Ryan, from Focus on the Family Australia, to explore exactly what family is and where to find it.

For the love of humanity

“Generosity is about giving," says Kristy Muir, the CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, "and giving is a love of humanity."

On this Helping Hands panel discussion, Kristy Muir, Adam McCurdie and Mike Gore discuss Charitable Giving and Generosity.

The DNA of a Purpose-led Business

A purpose-led business balances profit and purpose in a way that allows the business to grow while making a positive impact.

On Helping Hands, founder and CEO of Pro Purpose, Alana Nicholls; mental health expert and founding board member of R U OK?, Graeme Cowan; and CEO and chief storyteller of the ImpactInstitute, Mark Jones; reveal the clear indicators we can all use to identify a purpose-led business.

Celebrating Aussie Mums

The role of a mum is unique, says Emmylou Brasser, from the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services.

Emmylou, and other case workers and social workers, support young people to learn life skills and assist with other practical needs but, she says, she would never presume to replace the relationship a young person has with their mum, no matter how complex it is.

Enabling Kids to Thrive

The environments we create for young people and children to rest, play and learn can hinder, or help them to thrive.

This week, we discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for children and young people, and identify the three main environments in which kids spend the majority of their time – at home, online and at school.

The business of changing the world

Socially aware businesses have an incredible impact on society as they tackle environmental and social issues, in addition to providing employment and making a profit.

They exist to benefit themselves, their customers, their social cause, and the economy, but what does it look like for a business to be socially aware in practical terms?

The ANZAC Spirit is Inspiring Aussies to Soldier On!

The importance of ANZAC Day is one of the few days in our national calendar that all Australians can agree on.  It’s a day when we reflect on the sacrifices of those who paved the way for the freedoms that we enjoy, and celebrate their legacy.

Have we lost the ability to be selfless?

In the modern world of ‘you do you’ have we lost the ability to be selfless? Like any art form or ability, selflessness is a skill that can be learned and practiced. So, how and when should we practice the art of selflessness and why should we bother?

A helping hand starts with a listening ear

It's not only the ‘needy’ in our community who benefit from a helping hand. We all need help from time to time, and it can also do us good to be the help that someone else needs, but what is the best way to extend a hand of friendship?

Is Easter still significant in Australia?

Australia is home to many cultures, so the way we celebrate and think about Easter continues to develop and change as well. For some, Easter is at the centre of their faith, and for others, it’s a rare opportunity to relax over a long weekend. 

Business serving more than the financial bottom line

While every business wants to serve the basic function of creating profit to at least sustain itself, the true success of today’s modern businesses are increasingly being measured by something much more meaningful – their purpose and achievement of positive impact.

Enabling young people to thrive

Children and young people today have greater access to information and resources than any other generation in history. However, in young hands and minds, rather than being helpful, sometimes this ease of access is a barrage of ideas, opinions and perspectives that ultimately have a negative affect on wellbeing. It leads those of us who care for and support young people to continue to ask the question: How can we enable young people to thrive? 

What does it mean to live with purpose?

Purpose is a fundamental factor of happiness. Many people, at different stages of life, ask, What is my purpose? Although this often-daunting question may have no clear answer, it’s one that has wonderful potential to inspire growth, meaning and contentment. 

Keys to living an impactful life

We all know someone who is living an impactful life. For panellists, Darren Thomas, Raewyn Elsegood and Keith Garner, who join host, Laura Bennett, on this episode of Helping Hands, living an impactful life has evolved gradually through a series of choices, often in response to their realisation that they can be the answer to a present need.