A one-day, free Mental Health Promotion event organised by HSE Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services, the Change Your Mind Festival, took place on October 13th, 2024, and was met with great acclaim. With over 2,000 attendees throughout the day, the festival brought together individuals, experts, and communities at the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo, for a day dedicated to de-stigmatising mental health and promoting overall wellbeing.
A broad range of events at the festival involved staff from the Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service and other Mental Health professionals, in partnership and collaboration with special guests from the community and voluntary sector, artists and mental health advocates. The festival programme aimed to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and to deliver the festival's mission to foster open conversations and community support.
Events included an “Experts by Profession - Q&A Session” provided attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with an expert in the field and gain deeper insights into mental health from a professional perspective, while the panels on "The Real Voice of Travellers – Shame and Stigma" and “Women's Mental Health” were particularly well-received, generating significant interest and engagement from attendees.
Attendees and guest speakers shared their stories and insights, making it a day filled with inspiration and practical advice. The guest speakers captivated the audience with their personal experiences, sparking engaging conversations on mental health challenges and recovery.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive fitness, wellbeing, and mindfulness sessions that added to the festival's unique blend of entertainment and education. The Change Your Mind Festival offered a diverse range of activities, including free Yoga, Zumba, Sound Bath Meditation and Mindfulness sessions for adults, as well as Puppet And Science Shows, Magic Acts, Mascots and Face Painting for children. Local Mental Health Associations were also present with informational stands, providing essential resources and support to those in attendance.
The day concluded with a lively performance by "Sonic Minds" an emerging Sligo-based band, which provided a vibrant end to the festival, leaving attendees energized and uplifted.
“The incredible turnout and enthusiastic participation we saw at this year’s Change Your Mind Festival shows just how much our community values mental health awareness,” said Dr. Ignazio Graffeo, Psychiatry Senior Registrar founder of the festival. “It was heartening to witness people of all ages engaging in conversations about mental wellbeing, trying new activities, and connecting with others. Events like these highlight the importance of community in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.”
The fascinating lineup of sessions and performances captivated attendees of all ages, sparking important conversations and fostering a greater understanding of mental health issues. The Change Your Mind Festival showcased the power of community in creating positive change and offered practical strategies for improving mental well-being.
For more information on the festival, please visit the Change Your Mind Festival Facebook page.
Last updated on: 16 / 10 / 2024
