As a commitment to the Garden City's recovery from the 2010/11 earthquakes, the Mental Health Foundation is holding its national wellbeing forum at La Vida Centre, Riccarton in July.

Holding the Flourish - Well into the future forum in Christchurch is a way of making it easier and more affordable for Canterbury's businesses and individuals to attend. Another incentive is offering discounted registrations to all Christchurch residents.

Organisers are also making a point of using local services and suppliers for the one-day event, and have invited local heroes as guest speakers at the evening function: Coralie Winn (Gap Filler), Adam McGrath (The Eastern/Harbour Union bands), Bob Frame (Magnetic South), Henry Sunderland (Flowers in road cones) and Jade Temepara (Hand over a Hundy) - with guest speaker,�Steve Gurney and MC Lindon Puffin.

Event leader Freedom Preston-Clark says the forum will bring fresh thinking on how to create a flourishing future for not just Cantabrians but all New Zealanders.

"It will focus on practical ways that we can all work together - as individuals, business people, health professionals, local authorities, social service organisations and anyone of influence in the community - to build positive mental health, resilience and improved social relationships."

Building on the success of The Mental Health Foundation's 2010 Flourishing event, July's Flourish - Well into the future forum will include novel presentations from experts in the field, networking opportunities and energetic discussions.

The daytime sessions will feature a top-notch line up of presenters whose topics include:

Aaron Jarden, on GROW, a way of assessing wellbeing.

Well-known sleep expert Antonio (Tony) Fernando, on mindfulness, the concept of being happy, and compassion.

Eva Neitzert from Net Balance, bringing an economist's perspective to creating a society with greater equality and wellbeing.

Niki Harr�, author of Psychology for a Better World: Strategies to Inspire Sustainability on how to inspire positive social change.

Monique Faleafa, National Manager, Le Va, on making positive differences in the lives of Pacific people so that our communities can lead healthy lives

"People will have time to interact with speakers and other guests so they can come away with ideas they can apply to their particular situations," Ms Preston-Clark says.

The forum is part of the Mental Health Foundation's work to help people from different sectors learn from each other and play a role in increasing wellbeing, and reducing social inequalities.

"The ideas and practices that we can all engage in to support and develop good mental health are pretty straightforward," says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive.� "The resulting benefits are healthier workplaces with fewer missed days, improved physical and mental health, individuals who contribute positively to their communities, increased resilience and more."

Flourish - Well into the future

Register now: http://flourish2012.eventbrite.com/

Discounts apply for the first 100 registrations, as well as for all Christchurch residents.

Date: Monday 30 July 2012�

Time: 9am - 4.30pm for day event & 5pm - 7pm for evening event�

Venue: La Vida Centre, Riccarton, Christchurch.