Everyone has a Story by Dimitrios Papalexis https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur DID Grants Project by Dimitrios Papalexis empowering Participants to share their stories, connect to each other, celebrate their strengths and increase their well being en-us 2017-03-09 03:12:44 UTC 2025-11-09 14:26:20 UTC hello@padlet.com Everyone has a Story - DID GRANTS dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158864033 Peter Canyon, BANK OF IDEAS

Everyone has a Story is a project funded by Bayside Council and South Easter Sydney Local Health district's SESLHD "Do it Differently" DID Grants based on the principles of Asset Based Community Driven Efforts ABCD approach which simplifying means mobilizing the existing assets, strengths, natural supports and resources of individuals and communities in order to empower them to self determine and use their strengths to improve their well-being. It is world known tested and best evidence approach  that has transformed the lives of many individuals and communities around the world. In the process of applying for the grants, workshops on the ABCD approach were organised by Bayside Council and SESLHD and brilliant facilitators such as Peter Canyon were brought along to inspire passionate community members and local organisations  apply for the DID grants and use the ABCD approach to transform their communities. 
]]> 2017-03-09 03:59:02 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158864033 Info Session dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865107 Info session took place on the 15th of February with a great group in terms of diversity and engagement. Participants from different cultures and walks of life intermingled in a fun trusting environment where the scope of Everyone has a Story project was presented, together with an activity where participants were asked to reflect on a strength they have gained from their life's experiences and challenges. Also information about the DID grants was presented to put the project in the right context. The core of the group was already created with many participants showing up in the forthcoming workshops. ]]> 2017-03-09 04:09:12 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865107 1st Workshop The Hero's Journey dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865124 First Workshop of the project took place on the 1st of March with most people who attended the info session, coming over and participating in creative activities that encouraged them to share their stories, lessons, values and dreams. It was amazing seeing how quickly people who were strangers a week ago, coming together, opening their hearts, having the courage to share their stories, crying, laughing and dancing together, forming a new community where they can share their story, trust each other, feel connected and find belonging.]]> 2017-03-09 04:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865124 2nd Workshop Mindfulness and Creative Expression through Theater and Art dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865143 In the second workshop less participants came but the advantage of a smaller group is that we can go deeper. We had a mindfulness activity and then used psychodrama to enact/bring into life the story of a participant offering insights, support, inspiration, spontaneity, joy and a sense of hope to her and the group. The participants came very close and mentioned that they felt so good that they didnt want to go. Music and food was provided at the end as an opportunity for the participants to socialize and develop friendships which is one of the objectives of the project according to the 5 characteristics of a healthy community and ABCD approach. ]]> 2017-03-09 04:09:39 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865143 Guest Speaker Emma Perrow dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865196 Special Guest Speaker Emma Perrow from Wollongong, author of many books, coach and mum talked about the important issue of relationships and self care which was identified as a main aspiration of the participants. During her workshop on the 15th of March]]> 2017-03-09 04:10:16 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865196 First Series of Workshops dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865283 2017-03-09 04:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865283 The Sponsors dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865385 2017-03-09 04:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865385 Project Coordinator and main Facilitator dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865577
Dimitrios Papalexis is an author, counsellor, personal growth advocate and artist with diverse experience from Greece, Australia and Brazil. He is the author of The Fool - Dreams, Synchronicities and Miracles in a Journey to Find One's Real Self, published by Balboa Press, and has participated in various radio, TV shows and public events. Dimitrios has worked in different organisations and programs in the past such as Partners in Recovery and Ability Links and hence has an extensive experience with mental health, social work, community development, multi-culturalism and strength based community projects and initiatives. He is also an active member of the Out of the Box Playback Theatre and Funky Bosses Dance Crew. Dimitrios passion lies in the integration of therapeutic and creative approaches to help people achieve well-being and greater satisfaction in life.
You can contact Dimitrios for talks, workshops or events at sydneypersonalgrowth@gmail.com or call 0426881479]]> 2017-03-09 04:14:01 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158865577 The Sponsors dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870539 2017-03-09 05:10:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870539 The Partners dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870571 2017-03-09 05:11:16 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870571 The Auspice dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870603 2017-03-09 05:11:41 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/158870603 Material and activities dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/159158468 Many different material and activities were designed and delivered in the weekly workshops on topics such as: mindfulness, well-being, family dynamics, fears and dreams, challenges and strengths, aspirations, hero's journey and other. ]]> 2017-03-10 00:20:54 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/159158468 Guest Speaker Azzam Hassan dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/159159835 Special Guest Speaker Azzam Hassan from Sudan, dancer gave a fun workshop on hip hip and african vibes and talked about the power of dance to unite people from all races, backgrounds and beliefs and bring joy and well-being.
Dancing was identified as a well-being and fun activity that can get people to relax, get into their body and improve their strength, imagination, confidence and well being]]> 2017-03-10 00:35:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/159159835 3rd Workshop: Self Care & Positive Relationships dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160702901 3rd Workshop on Self Care & Positive Relationships with Emma Perrow, Author, Coach, Mum was an absolute success. 12 participants came and engaged on the important topic of self care, self love and positive relationships. Emma gave many practical tips and rituals to take care of one's self and also how to form positive relationships, say no, respect yourself and your boundaries and set high standards on a relationship.]]> 2017-03-17 04:31:02 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160702901 7 Secrets to get sh*t done dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703208 Dimitrios obtained two of Emma's inspirational and audacious books and gave away to participants that answered questions based on the Emma's talk.]]> 2017-03-17 04:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703208 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703319 2017-03-17 04:39:57 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703319 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703371 2017-03-17 04:40:56 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703371 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703422 2017-03-17 04:42:11 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/160703422 Workshop 4: Hip Hop & African Vibes dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/162732515 Hip Hop & African Vibes was an interesting experience for the participants who made it on that rainy day. Azzam talked to us about his experience leaving his home country Sudan and going to Malaysia to study engineer and then to Australia where he lives and works at the moment. However Azzam's passion is dance and he has been travelling a lot teaching, learning and competing and is becoming an dance icon and recognized in Australia and overseas. His passion to teach is infectious and he combines his dance moves with wise words and encouragement to be in the moment, be yourself, enjoy your body and other positive and inspirational messages. The participants enjoyed dancing a lot and all let with a big smile. ]]> 2017-03-27 08:46:33 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/162732515 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/162732901 2017-03-27 08:48:35 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/162732901 Workshop number 5: Family Dynamics Workshop dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163597471 Workshop on Family Dynamics was great. It was an interesting process to see participants opening up and sharing about their lives and family dynamics and being generous to each other in terms of engagement and support. The group has definitely come closer in this workshop. The rainbow is made of different colors. Today we had: Hong Kong, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Macedonia, Australia and Chile in the house.]]> 2017-03-30 04:27:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163597471 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852539 2017-03-31 00:20:32 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852539 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852811 2017-03-31 00:23:30 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852811 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852924 2017-03-31 00:24:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163852924 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163853242 2017-03-31 00:27:49 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163853242 Guest Speaker Aleni Matsas dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163853957 Special Guest Speaker Aleni Matsas - Embody your Divinity talked about How to build Mindful Resilience using Yoga and Meditation.]]> 2017-03-31 00:35:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163853957 Guest Speaker Natalia Esdaile Watts dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163854256 Special Guest Speaker Natalia Esdaile Watts,  Kogarah Citizen of the Year 2017 talked about Strategies to Survive and Thrive.]]> 2017-03-31 00:38:30 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/163854256 Reflecting on Project Mid Term Evaluation dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/164319714 Completed by participants sharing their feedback about the project so far. ]]> 2017-04-03 13:13:05 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/164319714 Workshop 6: Reflections & Sharing - Art Therapy dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165605914 In this workshop, participants who attended completed the mid term evaluation form, reflecting on the project and workshops so far and then did an art therapy activity where they painted a picture representing their past and future which led to great sharing and insights about their live's stories and experiences.]]> 2017-04-10 05:47:58 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165605914 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606033 2017-04-10 05:49:55 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606033 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606091 2017-04-10 05:50:32 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606091 Meditation and Yoga with Guest Speaker Aleni Matsas dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606227 2017-04-10 05:52:47 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/165606227 Workshop 7: Yoga and Meditation with Special Guest Speaker Aleni Matsas dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738492 This was an impressive workshop from Yoga and Meditation Teacher and therapist Aleni Matsas. We had a full room and Aleni talked about the power of meditation and yoga for her life and how it helped her overcome heart failure and other chronic illnesses. She also led some meditation exercises and yoga activities for the group who was impressed by her life story, authenticity and wisdom.]]> 2017-05-15 03:33:08 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738492 Flyer dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738528 Second Round of Workshops]]> 2017-05-15 03:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738528 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738755 2017-05-15 03:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738755 Workshop 8: Strategies to Mentally Survive and Thrive with Natalia Watts, Kogarah Citizen of the Year 2017 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738857 Natalia's workshop was a very emotional experience for the participants as she talked through her story of domestic violence and abuse. We cried, laughed and danced at the workshop as Natalia shared about her passion for dance and how it helped her to overcome her depression and traumas. Participants were impressed to hear her story of resilience and courage and got inspired to dance with Natalia at the end. ]]> 2017-05-15 03:37:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171738857 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739212 2017-05-15 03:41:52 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739212 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739248 2017-05-15 03:42:09 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739248 Workshop 9: Art Therapy with Guest Speaker Yael dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739545 Yael's workshop was another experience of self-discovery and inspiration for participants to delve into themselves and unlease their creativity and story telling with the help of drawing and their imagination. This workshop prepared participants to share their stories for final performance with playback theatre.]]> 2017-05-15 03:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171739545 Workshop 9: Mindfulness and Gratitude dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740101 In the last workshop before grand finale with Playback Theatre, Dimitrios Papalexis and his co-facilitator Luyi Huang talked about mindfulness followed by an activity from Dimitrios on gratitude and how it helped him move through difficult phases of his life overseas and increase his happiness, well-being and meaning in life. Participants gained a gratitude bottle and were taught how to use it in their lives. ]]> 2017-05-15 03:51:13 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740101 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740265 2017-05-15 03:53:14 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740265 dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740347 2017-05-15 03:54:07 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740347 Grand Finale with Playback Theatre Performance dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740491 In the Grand Finale of the project Everyone has a Story, participants got to participate in a playback theatre performance with Out of The Box Playback Theatre. We heard many heart warming stories from a diverse group of participants and playback theatre troup played back these stories using improvisation, sound and movement. this helped the participants to connect to each other, focus on their strengths and resilience and form a community. ]]> 2017-05-15 03:55:36 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740491 Video COMING SOON dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740820 Hannah Morgan, Social Worker and Professional Photographer filmed last session grand finale with playback theatre and also interviewed Dimitrios Papalexis, Project Manager and Main facilitator and some of the participants to demonstrate the impact of the project Everyone has a Story. See video of final performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4halAI81bA4]]> 2017-05-15 03:59:08 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171740820 Guest Speakr Yael O Karrio dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171741182 Special Guest Speaker Yael Orly Karrio from playback Theatre Israel and Out of the Box Playback Theatre in syfneyoffered an Art Therapy Workshop using drawing, story telling and imagination to help participants process their life experiences and prepare for grand finale with Playback Theatre. ]]> 2017-05-15 04:03:05 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171741182 Stay in touch dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171741617 if you would like to stay in touch and receive weekly newsletter email YES to sydneypersonalgrowth@gmail.com ]]> 2017-05-15 04:09:10 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/171741617 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/172211278 2017-05-16 22:41:39 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/172211278 Everyone has a Story Video Trailer dimitriospapalexis3 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/173995456 2017-05-26 14:27:06 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/173995456 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/1658114665 2021-07-22 08:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/1658114665 https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/1658114687 2021-07-22 08:05:01 UTC https://padlet.com/dimitriospapalexis3/v3a2dadf77ur/wish/1658114687