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Heart and soul story

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Samantha Heron

Local office = Maroubra beach, Sydney Australia

(+61 ) 0421056730

Samanthaheron@heartandsoulstory.com

https://au.linkedin.com/in/samanthaheron

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“Humanity has unquestionably one really effective weapon—laughter. Power, money, persuasion, supplication, persecution—these can lift at a colossal humbug—push it a little—weaken it a little, century by century, but only laughter can blow it to rags and atoms at a blast. Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand” Mark Twain According to Dr Nina Radcliff of the Washington Times “The ability to laugh is a powerful health resource, mentally, emotionally and physically. And too, it is a powerful agent in keeping relationships healthy. Studies have shown that a strong, positive bond is created when we laugh with one another.” Conversation. Stories. Empathy. Compassion. Laughter. A wonderfully simple cocktail for wellbeing. #laughteristhebestmedicine #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #stories4connection #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“ Humanity has unquestionably one really effective weapon—laughter. Power, money, persuasion, supplication, persecution—these can lift at a colossal humbug—push it a little—weaken it a little, century by century, but only laughter can blow it to rags and atoms at a blast. Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand” Mark Twain According to Dr Nina Radcliff of the Washington Times “The ability to laugh is a powerful health resource, mentally, emotionally and physically. And too, it is a powerful agent in keeping relationships healthy. Studies have shown that a strong, positive bond is created when we laugh with one another.” Conversation. Stories. Empathy. Compassion. Laughter. A wonderfully simple cocktail for wellbeing. #laughteristhebestmedicine #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #stories4connection #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“It does good to take walks out of doors, that our spirits may be raised and refreshed by the open air and fresh breeze.” Seneca ( as does a classic surf break 🏄‍♀️) #seneca #refreshyoursoul #taketimeout #winterrecharge #heartandsoulstory #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #bringingcommunitybacktogether #sharingstories #startaconversation #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“Absence makes the 💓 grow ....? “ “Actions speak louder than ...?” “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single ... ?” 🦶 “All good things must come to an ...?” Was so great to have students from The Bowen College back at Bupa Maroubra for a reunion games day. Young and old buddies realised two heads were better than one, you can’t always get what you want and no man is an island as the friendly competition heated up. The game ‘finish the sentence ’ revealed that life experience is very handy when it comes to solving proverbs (definitely an example where the Elders reflexes were snappier than their younger counterparts). Peter continued to teach students chess ♟ and we were stoked to have @buddy_films producer @stargirllovesmandy along to observe for researching an 💡 of a documentary examining intergenerational connection between young and old 🙏 #proverbs #ajourneyofathousandmilesbeginswithasinglestep #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #bupaagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get”. I’ve used this fabulous Forest Gump quote many a time whilst facilitating STEP because it is just so true! .... we’ve had a break in program before because of illness at the Aged Care, but unfortunately this week the students were not able to make it to visit the residents due to last minute illness from the school side - never fear, we have the ability & technology to keep the connection and messages flowing ( swipe 👉to see sweet message from Kevin & Louise this week; students replies to follow ..) I dream of how technology in the future will enable ongoing connection even when illness strikes. Whilst I am a firm believer it will never be a patch on actual, face to face connection, I know technology has an important role to play in how we maintain community connection when being there together in the same room isn’t possible. Thanks to the wonderful Jane Montgomery, a program implementation officer for Agency of Clinical Innovation with a passion for the intergenerational connection we are doing here at Heart and Souk Story, for joining us this week. So wonderful to have you there 🙏 #lifeislikeaboxofchocolates #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
I’ve used this fabulous Forest Gump quote many a time whilst facilitating STEP because it is just so true! .... we’ve had a break in program before because of illness at the Aged Care, but unfortunately this week the students were not able to make it to visit the residents due to last minute illness from the school side - never fear, we have the ability & technology to keep the connection and messages flowing. I dream of how technology in the future will enable ongoing connection for STEP buddies, even when illness strikes. Whilst I am a firm believer it will never be a patch on actual, face to face connection, I know technology has an important role to play in how we maintain community connection when being there in a room together isn’t possible. ❤️ #forestgump #youneverknowwhatyouregonnaget l #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“Residents are all truly enjoying the program. A few count down to the visits. Can’t wait for all our homes to run STEP. Thanks for bringing JOY to our residents.” Wonderful feedback from current program at Opal Annandale. #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #listen #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them. 💛 #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #listen #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be. “John Connolly, The Book of Lost Things With two sessions of STEP running this week it was hard to choose which moment of connection to begin with, but this one made my heart light up. At the end of an hour of conversation, laughter, tears and reflection, this mindful young student got up to shake not only the hands of the residents he had mainly been speaking with, but also all others. In a day and age when teens are often accused of being self-centred, obsessed with their phones and games, and having milli second attention spans, it is important to ask whether we are presenting them with enough opportunities to let their true natures shine? It is the human condition to so quickly pigeon hole and compartmentalise groups, this is done as much to our teens as to our Elders. The E in STEP is for Empathy, with this program aiming to nurture and develop empathy in our teens, but importantly it is also paramount to ensure we have empathy with our - for the often confusing and challenging transition to adulthood - To help our elders reminisce on a distant time when they too faced their own challenges as adolescents. Check out what this thoughtful young man said he would do if he won $1 million tomorrow by clicking on the story .... feels so fitting on bkinderday ! #bkinderday #bkinder #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“ I was blown away to find out you are one of 15 siblings!” “ I enjoyed meeting all you kind folk and hope you will be back soon “ Some of the parting words from our IGS students and residents at Opal Annadale last week... definitely looking forward to getting this bunch back together again on Thursday for a little healthy competition as we kick off the session with our “what’s in common ?” game. Always ends up good for a laugh and often an interesting surprise or two. What a privilege to be witness to the blossoming of new friendships ? 👫 👬 👭 #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #empathy #wellbeing #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #eldercare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
You know when a quote pops up that feels just so right you kind of want to tattoo it to your forehead? I’ve heard and even used different iterations of these words from @simonsinek , but today as I stop to reflect where I am on my journey, as I cast my mind back over all the twists and turns, I realise how utterly true they are. It has been most definitely the chaos, the challenges and those times that I just wanted it to be easier that have pushed me to find new ways, and inevitably have led to many of the most interesting and inspirational moments I’ve encountered whilst running STEP. It’s a constant struggle to override the insatiable and quite frankly, very annoying, drive for order, but I’ve been so surprised and delighted by what the universe comes up with when I do that I’ve realised I must keep up the battle. Love to hear how creativity has emerged for you when you’ve let go of the need for order ? #creativity #embracethechaos #orderisoverated #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“It was scary even though I knew I was being looked after” “ I felt I was responsible for him because I had to guide him” ... one being led, the other doing the leading; completely different emotions elicited and discussed as part of our introduction session of STEP last week with a new group of students from IGS Sydney. Whilst the Elders they will be matched up with this week may not have lost their eye sight, we discussed the different ways that some people start to lose their independence if their physical or mental capabilities begin to diminish, and some of the feelings possible associated with relying on others to help you. I really look forward to the next couple of months observing the journey of new relationships being built and where they lead. #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #intergenerationalprogram #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #igssyd #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #opalagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
Thrilled to be invited to speak last night as the incredible crew from the @awesomefoundationsydney hosted another mega grant giveaway as part of Vivid festival last night at the the MCA. Congratulations to the team from @supertee for winning and ensuring that more children in hospital can get access to their incredible innovation in children’s medical garments, helping small Hero’s fight big battles ( swipe 👉 to learn more about these amazing guys!) it was tough competition with amazing pitches about break dancing/ bringing LUV back to Sydney through music and inclusiveness / breaking down barriers In Waterloo through creative mental health out reach with young people/ and art of access creative workshops for artist with disabilities by artists with disabilities... an incredible night to be part of, honoured to finish of the pitches by telling the audience a bit about my journey since winning the grant last year. 🙏✨ #awesomefoundation #awesomefoundationsydney #awesomesauce #vividsydney2019 #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #makingagedcarebetter #agedcareaustralia #seniorcare #bupaagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #friends #life #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
This reminds me of a quote by the Dali Lama that drives me forward in the work I do. When he was asked what was the greatest challenge of our time he replied “that we are raising a generation of passive bystanders.” Our family have been to see @damon.gameau incredible film @2040film which offers some inspiring, practical solutions to how we can all engage and get behind solutions that are already in existence - so we don’t all get overwhelmed into inaction by what seems like the gargantuan nature of the problem we face. @laynebeachley offered wonderful advice today, especially to “be mindful in each individual action ..to create the ripple effect of change”. Also an amazing podcast I listened to yesterday on Soul Search ABC Listen for #worldenvironmentday talked about the long lasting effects over time, culturally, politically and spiritually of the degradation of our ecology. 💕✨ Repost @2040film 🙏 #worldenvironmentday #worldenvironmentday2019 #whatsyourplan #healtheworld #togetherwecan #heartandsoulstory #bringingcommunitybacktogether #stories4connection #protectourplanet #yourchoicesmakeadifference
“Never too old to learn, never too young to teach” Our latest catch up a few weeks ago( when thankfully, the ☀️ was still shining) some of the students from The Bowen College were taught how to play chess ♟ by one of the residents of Bupa Maroubra, whilst another Elder was taught by the teens how to play Uno for the first time. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages ! ✨👬✨👫✨👭✨ #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #bupaagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
The Awesome team at the @awesomefoundsyd , who come together monthly to pool their own money and fund community initiatives, are back with another mega grant for Vivid ! Last year, winning this enabled me to run STEP with Youth off the Streets and Bupa Aged Care Maroubra. They are back again with a $3k mega grant to give away at an event at the Museum of Contemporary Art for Vivid next Friday 7th June. They’ve asked me to say a few words on the night on the impact their support has had on my work, followed by the following five pitching for the audience to decide who gets this the grant this year .... “Bringing LUV back to Sydney”. Lighting up Sydney's self-expression with music and inclusiveness. “Art of Access”. Creative workshops for artists with disabilities, by artists with disabilities. “Supertee”. Making sick kids in hospital feel like superheroes. “Theatre of Consciousness”. Breaking down barriers in Waterloo through creative mental health outreach with young people. “Our Aussie B-boys”. Lifting street dance battles to a higher level of prestige and respect in our cities. So who decides the outcome? You, the audience! The power to grant will be transferred from the Awesome Foundation Trustees to the event attendees. If you are free, come along for some spectacular Vivid views of Sydney Harbour and support these great initiatives. Tickets available in link in bio. My huge 🙏 and eternal gratitude to the hardworking team @awesomefoundsyd for the kickstart they gave me last year ! #awesomefoundationsydney #vividsydney2019 #mcasydney #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #bupaagedcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“Age is whatever you think you think it is. You are as old as you think you are” Muhhamad Ali Given time to break down the beliefs of the bridge between young and old, we get to see there are more similarities than differences and we are so much closer than we thought possible. Looking forward to discussing this and more with new STEP kicking off with introduction sessions for Elders and students next week. Repost @joyfulseniors 🙏 #ageisjustanumber #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Dali Lama Thanks @gita_amber_carroll for highlighting this powerful word for love from the Zulu community through your remarkable social impact work with @thanda_consulting. Also a huge shout out today to truly authentic leader @jacindaardern and your hard working team on yet another step in the right direction putting well being at centre stage for New Zealand’s world first budget prioritising mental illness, family violence and child poverty. Although comparable countries such as the UK have begun to measure the national rate of well-being, New Zealand is the first western country designs entire budget based on well-being priorities and instruct its ministries design policies to improve well-being. #thanda #love #community #mentalhealth #seniorsandteensempathyprogram #intergenerational #community #bringingcommunitybacktogether #heartandsoulstory #sharingstories #startaconversation #stories4connection #youthoffthestreets #volunteering #servicelearning #bethechange #agedcareaustralia #eldercare #seniorcare #commonhumanity #mentalhealth #healtheworldtogether #loveoneanother #love #photooftheday #friends #socialenterprise #socialenterpriseaustralia
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