Overview
In 2011, Matt Henricks founded the Helping Hands Program www.helpinghandsprogram.com.au which has since gone onto build and donate over 27,000 life-changing prosthetic hands to amputees throughout the developing world. In 2015 he founded the Water Works Program (www.waterworksprogram.com) which has now donated life-saving water filtration systems to over 120,000 people living in refugee camps in Uganda. Both projects have evidently made a huge difference on a global stage, and their success is largely due to Matt’s expertise as an Organisational Psychologist.
Within a corporate training environment, Matt uses both Helping Hands and Water Works as business simulations to bring to life various applied psychology concepts. They are essentially positive psychology interventions which use charitable projects to explore concepts of purpose-driven work, individual meaning finding, adaptive performance, design thinking, and collaboration.
Recent research into the efficacy of positive psychology interventions within both workplace and university settings have observed various desirable workplace outcomes (Donaldson et al., 2019; Townsley et al., 2023; Hobbs, et al., 2022). However, positive psychology theory, practice, and research has also been criticised due to problematic methods and ideological biases (Fisher, et al., 2024; van Zyl, et al., 2024). So, what makes for evidence-based practice in such an environment?
In this presentation, Dr Henricks will be sharing what can and cannot be achieved via philanthropic learning interventions. He will explore emerging trends and outline the applied psychology principles that have underpinned the ongoing sustainability of both Water Works and Helping Hands as standalone humanitarian projects.
This event will be run in hybrid format to allow participation by those outside of Sydney. If you can join us in person, please register for the Sydney event. If you will join us virtually, please scroll down to register for the Online option.
About the presenter(s)
Dr Matthew D. Henricks is an endorsed Organisational Psychologist and Supervisor, plus a Fellow of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists. He is currently serving on the COP National Committee as the Advocacy and Social Impact Lead. He is also a member of the APS Professional Practice Working Group which is APS-wide group tasked with reviewing and updating all APS Ethics Guidelines in line with the new AHPRA code of conduct for psychologists. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons) at Macquarie University in 2000, his M. Psych. (Org) in 2007 at the University of NSW, and his PhD at the University of NSW in 2020.
Matt is the founder of Henricks Consulting Ltd, Helping Hands Program Pty Ltd, and Water Works
Program Pty Ltd. In late 2024 he transitioned into advisory Board positions at both Helping Hands and Water Works after successfully selling both social enterprises to a larger registered training organisation. At present he is enjoying a portfolio career as a keynote speaker, consultant, medicolegal assessor, and research fellow.
Notes
In-Person Registration includes light refreshments.
Target Audience
This event is aimed at mid career and more experienced Organisational Psychologists or those working towards this profession.
Duration of Access
This event will not be recorded.
CPD
It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.
The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.
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