The Power of the Positive

Since its launch in New Zealand over 20 years ago, the Positive Lifestyle Programme (PLP) has profoundly impacted countless lives. Kelly Cooper spoke with Carolyn Smith, national programme facilitation co-ordinator, to learn more about this transformative initiative and the ongoing difference it is making in individuals and communities.

The Positive Lifestyle Programme (PLP) offers participants an opportunity to build self-awareness and explore practical strategies to help navigate change and unexpected challenges life can bring. Originally developed in Canada in the 1980s and later adopted in Australia, the programme is primarily delivered through Community Ministries in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji.

Tailored PLP courses are available for individuals, groups and youth, with each programme regularly updated to reflect the latest research. A new discipleship-focused PLP will launch soon, expanding the PLP family and offering an additional pathway for personal and spiritual growth in the corps (church) and community settings.

Each PLP consists of eight weekly sessions, delivered by a trained facilitator. The programme is free to all participants, who receive a weekly workbook to support their learning and reflection.

Sessions include topics such as self-awareness, stress, building self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, grief and loss, and future directions. As part of the programme, participants set small, specific goals related to the course content and reflect on their progress at the conclusion. ‘Achievement of goals is a significant part of the programme,’ shares Carolyn. ‘It’s exciting and rewarding to have a high percentage of participants achieve their goals.

‘We receive referrals from Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development and the courts, as well as direct enquiries from individuals who choose to engage with the programme as part of their personal development journey.’

Positively impacting participants

‘Past participants often speak about their experience and the difference the programme has made in their lives, encouraging others to take part too,’ says Carolyn. ‘When it comes to recognising the benefits of PLP, the voices of course participants speak the loudest.’

‘Being able to open up and talk about things in a safe space was empowering,’ shares one attendee. ‘I felt listened to, and that helped me to better understand myself.’

Another participant reflects, ‘At PLP, I felt accepted. I came to the programme in a dark place, but now I feel like a weight has been lifted. I’ll carry this forward—for myself and for my family.’

Last year, 69 PLP facilitators delivered programmes to 774 participants in 35 Salvation Army centres in New Zealand. ‘We have programmes running from Whangārei in the north to Invercargill in the south—and everywhere in between,’ shares Carolyn.

Ripples of change

Following a two-year PLP development project co-led by Carolyn Smith and Major Beth Campkin, Fiji now has its own dedicated PLP lead. This role involves training and supporting Fijian PLP facilitators. ‘It is important to have someone in Fiji take on this role and continue to develop PLP in a way that’s relevant to the local context,’ explains Carolyn. ‘Tamari Curubula, who also manages th Labasa Family Care Centre, is a great fit.’

The programme is delivered at the Suva Women’s Correction Centre, Salvation Army Family Care Centres and by Fijian corps officers within their local corps and communities across the islands of Fiji.

There is also one trained PLP facilitator based in Tonga, with hopes to expand the programme across the Pacific. The long-term goal is to embed PLP in its various expressions throughout the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, extending its reach and impact across the region.

‘This work is very much reciprocal,’ shares Carolyn, reflecting on her role. ‘The stories of change are incredibly motivating for our facilitators. We learn together and have the privilege of walking alongside people as they grow and discover new possibilities.’

The impact of these programmes reaches far beyond individual participants. As people become empowered and equipped with tools to make positive changes in their own lives, they begin to influence their families in meaningful and lasting ways. The transformation of one individual often creates ripple effects—spreading hope, resilience and positive change throughout their wider community.

First step forward

The true impact of the PLP is best captured in the words of a past participant: ‘When I signed up for PLP, I had it stuck in my head that asking for help was a sign of weakness. But in reality, it was my first brave step forward. By the end of the first session, I knew I had found what I’d been searching for—a safe, non-judgmental space to learn, reflect and grow. I have rediscovered a sense of worth and belonging, and I’ve walked away with new skills, the ability to set and achieve goals, and a renewed belief in myself.’