We are declaring war on burnout! So we are really excited to launch Cafe Wowee (Working Optimally Without Encountering Exhaustion).
Over 2 sessions in mid March 2019, we brought Cafe Wowee to volunteers of Pentecost Methodist Church and to the public through A Good Space at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre. It is an interactive “hackathon-style” learning event where participants get to learn about burnout, its symptoms, why it matters and how to prevent and overcome it. The cafe also featured platforms for participants to dialogue and learn from one another on strategies to keep burnout at bay.
I enjoyed discussion with my friends based on topics from the PRISM model.
Enjoyed the personal sharing as well as the articles on what burnout looked like in the general population across the globe. Thankful also for the PRISM model handout that provides handles on something we can start working on.
The models sum up burn out and self-care in a very simple manner; a lot of times we do know something is wrong but we don't do anything to help ourselves. They are good reminders for especially for social service professionals.
There was good insight on what burnout is and how it affects the different aspects of our lives, and that burn out is not only limited to working population.
James was an engaging speaker who shared openly about his own struggles in the past. He also gave practical yet detailed strategies in managing burnout.
(It provided a good) opportunity for like-minded people to share and learn about their struggling experiences.
Andrew Ong
Cafe Wowee
(It helped us to) increase self-awareness to better manage ourselves and the environment we are in.
Adrian
Cafe Wowee
Good presentation done and thorough explanation and exploration of topic.
Kelsen Koh
The speaker presented his programme in a clear yet humourous manner.
Edwin
The breakout sessions were excellent. Participants chatted freely as the dialogues provided them with a chance to get in touch with their inner selves.
Laetitia
I now understand more about burnout and how we need to have more conversations about it, so that all of us can be healthy physically and mentally.
Xue Ting
Very informative materials from the speaker. The materials and his sharing of his experience with burnout help us better relate to and understand the content.
Ken
Organisational mental well-being is so important and today's session is a great step in breaking the stigma of mental illness.
Bryan
Practical, engaging and absolutely necessary for survival in today's environment.
Alvin Tan
Very eye-opening session.
Mahendra Soni
Definitely not to be missed if you know someone burning out or if you feel like you are burning out. Invite a friend along!
Cheryl Yeo
It has been a fun night of learning and reflecting. Did not regret signing up for the event!
Tan Wenkai
Its absolutely well designed and it addresses the very important aspects (of burnout). Real life sharing. Very practical and essential for the world we live in now.
Evelyn Sim
Many thanks to all the Fuel Gooder volunteers who came to help and also helped with photography.
If you would like to learn more to prevent or overcome burnout,
you might wish to join our Mental Resilience Programme Join our Mental Well-Being Programme
James is the Lead Thrive-Synergist & Founder of Emmaus Strategies; a social enterprise that “fuels good”. It does this through Mental Well-Being programmes for individuals and organizations, as well as Strategic Volunteer Partnerships consultancy and training for non-profits.
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