Upcoming Workshops

Every workshop follows the same core lived experience storytelling programme, with a different creative session in the afternoon.

Explore the workshop that interests you most.

  •  

    Storytelling Through Public Speaking

    Creative Session: Finding Your Voice

    24 October 2026

    Grey Lynn, Auckland

    Build confidence communicating your lived experience through practical storytelling and speaking activities.

    Register
  •  

    Storytelling Through Art

    Creative Session: Create Your Own Zine

    14 November 2026

    Grey Lynn, Auckland

    Spend the afternoon exploring your story through collage, colour, words and visual storytelling

    Register

What are these workshops?

Every story has the power to create connection, challenge stigma and remind someone they are not alone.

But sharing lived experience isn't simply about telling people what happened.

It takes reflection, understanding your boundaries, knowing your "why", and learning how to care for yourself while sharing your experiences.

That's why these workshops spend most of the day exploring the foundations of lived experience storytelling before putting that learning into practice through a creative session such as public speaking or art.

Whether you one day want to speak on a stage, write poetry, create art or simply understand your own story a little better, these workshops are designed to help you build confidence in your own voice.

What you'll explore

  • Understanding storytelling

    Learn what lived experience storytelling is and why stories can create hope, connection and change.

  • Finding your why

    Reflect on why you want to share your story and what feels meaningful to you.

  • Safe Storytelling

    Explore boundaries, wellbeing and practical ways to look after yourself before, during and after sharing.

  • Building Confidence

    Develop confidence through storytelling activities, discussion and reflection.

  • Connecting with others

    Meet other young people and explore storytelling in a welcoming, supportive environment.

  • Putting it in to practice

    Finish the day with a creative storytelling session through public speaking or creative art.

What does a typical day look like?

9:00am | Welcome

We'll get to know one another, create a safe and welcoming environment, and walk through what to expect from the day.

Morning | Exploring Lived Experience Storytelling

The morning focuses on the foundations of lived experience storytelling.

Together we'll explore:

• What lived experience storytelling is

• Why stories matter

• Finding your why

• Safe storytelling

• Boundaries and wellbeing

• Reflection activities

Lunch

Bring your own lunch or head out and grab something nearby.

Tea, coffee and light snacks are available throughout the day.

Afternoon | Creative Storytelling Session

This is where you'll put everything you've learned into practice.

Depending on the workshop you've chosen, you'll explore storytelling through either:

• Public Speaking

or

• Creative Art (Creating Your Own Zine)

Reflection and Close

We'll finish the day by reflecting on what we've learned, celebrating everyone's creativity, and thinking about the next steps in your storytelling journey.

Meet your workshop facilitators

Workshops are led by Dan Goodwin and Rosalie Norton, who facilitate the core lived experience storytelling programme throughout the day. Together, they'll guide you through the foundations of safe storytelling, help you explore your experiences, and support you to find your own voice.

  • Dan Goodwin

    Dan Goodwin (they/them) is a poet, writer and mental health advocate who works as Community Support Manager at Changing Minds, a lived experience-led mental health organisation and Voices of Hope's co-design partner for these workshops.

    Dan helped lead the co-design of the lived experience storytelling workshop programme, bringing their expertise in peer support, safe storytelling and creative expression to its development.

    Passionate about using poetry and storytelling to challenge stigma and create connection, Dan shares their own lived experience through community work, public speaking, theatre and the arts.

  • Rosalie Norton

    Rosalie is a public speaker, youth facilitator, TEDx speaker, MC, artist and proud Pacific creative.

    Rosalie was part of the co-design group that helped shape the Voices of Hope lived experience storytelling workshops. She is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel safe to explore their stories, connect with others and find confidence in their own voice.

    Alongside her work with young people, Rosalie studies Social Policy and Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. As an artist performing under the name Lehali, she uses music to explore identity, culture and lived experience.

Meet your creative facilitators

In the afternoon, you'll put your storytelling learning into practice with one of our creative facilitators. Depending on the workshop you've chosen, you'll explore storytelling through either creative art or public speaking.

  • Jasmin Ryan

    Jasmin leads our Storytelling Through Art workshops.

    An emerging Creative Arts Therapist and 2026 Master's candidate in Creative Arts Therapies, Jasmin is passionate about creating expressive, engaging and accessible creative experiences that foster connection, self-expression and wellbeing.

    Drawing on her background in the arts and therapeutic practice, she helps participants explore storytelling through collage, colour, creativity and play.

Practical information

These workshops are free to attend and are not paid opportunities.

Workshops run from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Please bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottle. Tea, coffee and light snacks will be available throughout the day.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport.

The workshops are held in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Exact venue details are sent to confirmed participants.

Places are limited to help create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

FAQs

What should I bring?

Please bring your own lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Tea, coffee and light snacks will be available throughout the day.
Will I definitely get a place?

Places are intentionally limited to help create a safe and supportive environment. Registering your interest does not automatically guarantee a place, but we'll be in touch as soon as possible.
Can I register for more than one workshop?

While each workshop explores a different creative modality, every workshop follows the same core lived experience storytelling programme for majority of the day and so we limit particpants to one workshop.

Do I need to be good at art or public speaking?

Not at all. The creative sessions are about exploring your story, not being the best artist or speaker. No previous experience is needed.
Is this therapy?

No. These workshops are educational and creative spaces focused on lived experience storytelling. They are not counselling, therapy or crisis support.
Do I have to share my story?

No. You decide what you explore, what you keep private, and whether you share anything with the group. You're welcome to participate in a way that feels right for you.
You haven't answered my question

Email contact@thevoicesofhope.org

Every story matters.

When lived experiences are shared safely and authentically, they can create understanding, challenge stigma and remind someone they are not alone.

If you're ready to begin exploring your own story, we'd love to welcome you.

Thank you

  • These workshops were shaped through a co-design process grounded in lived experience, collaboration, and community.

    We want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the rangatahi who generously shared their ideas, experiences, insights, and perspectives throughout this process - Rosalie, Bradley, Rayhana, Maia, Grace, Janet, and Kenisha. Your voices helped shape not only the content of these workshops, but the heart behind them.

  • We also want to acknowledge Changing Minds for their guidance, support, and collaboration throughout the development of this kaupapa. Your commitment to lived experience leadership and meaningful change has played an important role in bringing this workshop to life.

    A special thank you also to Dan and Maddi, who guided our rōpū through this process so thoughtfully and with such care.

  • This is a living project that will continue to grow and evolve through reflection, feedback, and the voices of those who take part in it.

    Thank you for helping create a space grounded in safety, connection, honesty, creativity, and hope.