And so it all begins. LIFEHACK launched last night!!

Official media release is here for your reading.

 

Date: 28 February 2013

 

LIFEHACK CALLS FOR HIPSTERS, HACKERS & HUSTLERS

TO HELP COMBAT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

LIFEHACK, a new initiative aimed at tackling youth mental health issues head-on is calling for skilled and creative young New Zealanders interested in using new technologies to radically change the way people look at, and deal with mental health problems.

Young thinkers, doers and change makers, with a range of creative, digital and business skills, are being asked to put their hands up and get involved in one of four LIFEHACK WEEKENDS being held around New Zealand in April.

LIFEHACK is also looking for professionals who share its vision to help guide participants through each weekend, with their proven skills experience and expertise.

Project Director & Chief Hustler Jason Armishaw (Unlimited Magazine, Influencer 2012) believes that we need fresh ideas, real innovation and digital solutions created by young people for young people to improve mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand.

“I believe that youth know youth problems better than anyone else. So why not give them a chance to solve them? They are closer to the issues, and they can relate to them on a much deeper and more honest level.

“Also, young people can and will use the tools they’re already familiar with; digital devices, social media networks, and a natural ability to bond with technology in a way that our parents never will”.

Over each LIFEHACK WEEKEND up to 75 young New Zealanders will come together to dream, scheme and most importantly develop and create new solutions using digital technology and new media.

The most promising ideas will be funded, coached and supported following each LIFEHACK WEEKEND to help make them a reality.

Armishaw says: “We want to make these ideas truly viable. And to do this, we will be working with the mental health community, high schools and universities around New Zealand to get them tested, implemented, and put into practice.

“And beyond that, we want to tap into our entrepreneurial spirit, and market our greatest resource to the world; our ingenuity, our can-do attitude, and our ability to see challenges, not problems”.

If you’re a hipster, hacker, hustler or you’d like to help mentor participants please register your interest, or find out more about LIFEHACK at www.lifehackhq.co

Key Dates:

REGISTRATION CLOSES

Auckland: 29 March 2013

Wellington: 05 April 2013

Christchurch: 12 April 2013

Dunedin: 19 April 2013

 

LIFEHACKERS SELECTED & ANNOUNCED

Auckland: 02 April 2013 

Wellington: 09 April 2013

Christchurch: 16 April 2013

Dunedin: 23 April 2013

LIFEHACK WEEKENDS

Auckland: 05-07 April 2013

Wellington: 12-14 April 2013

Christchurch: 19-21 April 201

Dunedin: 26-28 April 2013

 

Note to editor:

LIFEHACK is currently funded by the Government’s Social Media Innovations Fund to combat youth mental illness. The project was launched by Prime Minister John Key, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Project Director Jason Armishaw on Thursday 28 February.

For more information, images or interviews please contact:

Eddy Helm: eddy@curative.co.nz or 021 928 373