Film Screening and In Conversation: Matt Ottley and The Tree of Ecstasy & Unbearable Sadness

Join us for a film screening of ‘The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness’ by internationally acclaimed artist/author/composer Matt Ottley. A groundbreaking project weaving together the worlds of art, music and literature in the poignant story of one boy’s journey into mental illness. Following the screening, Matt Ottley will be in conversation with festival curator Ian Tucknott to explore further Matt's intermodal creativity and the themes that inform his incredible art.

Autism pop-up hub with the Centre for Research in Autism and Education

The Folk from CRAE (UCL’s Centre for Research in Autism and Education) will be on hand with experiments about the superior perceptual capacity in autism. Do drop by for 10 minutes to see the sort of research that we do. CRAE is a team of autistic and non-autistic people, headed by Dr Anna Remington.

We conduct ground-breaking scientific research to enhance our knowledge about support, education and outcomes for autistic people, their families and those who support them. We hope to slowly change the way people think about autism.

Complimentary Kindness with Sharon Wilson

Take time to give someone the Complimentary gift of Kindness and make their day! Join Best Self Coach and creator of Complimentary Kindness Sharon Wilson at the Complimentary Kindness stall to share your kindness and compliments, and experience the power of gratitude.

Messages of Hope

Messages of Hope is a campaign that encourages anyone and everyone to write anonymous messages of hope for people that are going through a difficult time, and/or struggling with their mental health. 

Messages of Hope will be in attendance at City Lit’s Mental Wealth Festival. People will be able to add their own messages of hope to several pre-prepared canvases in order to spread hope and meaningful positivity. These canvases with your messages of hope will then be displayed in a public space.

Clay workshop with ceramic artist Pedro Kalache 

Join ceramic artist and community educator Pedro Kalache to explore the wellbeing benefits of working with clay, and contribute your creativity to a collaborative ceramic installation.  

Rolina Blok + PASCH.NET = PR!NT:  Printmaking workshop

“..a workshop to celebrate connections made through printmaking.”

This drop in workshop introduces and engages visitors to accessible printmaking techniques. Participants will collaborate and connect with the other contributors in the project across the course of the day, in the creation of one physical art piece and individual, take-home creations.

The Human Library

The Human Library is a library of people and their experiences with prejudice. But instead of paperback books, actual people are on loan for conversations. The Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalisation, or stigmatisation can be openly addressed without condemnation. Our Open Books have experience of prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences. At the Human Library, we welcome the Readers curious questions and our Books engage in sharing their personal experiences with the Readers.

You can come by at this timespan to borrow an open Book for a conversation about prejudices and diversity. The concept is simple; you show up at the library counter, where you receive guidance from the librarians on the topics we have available for lending. Once you have chosen which open Book you would like to talk to, you can sit and have an open conversation where every question on the topic is welcome.

Reenchantment: Turn over a leaf in Lincoln's Inn Fields

Join Reenchantment in Lincoln's Inn Fields for some fun and therapeutic nature writing. We'll guide you through a nature meditation, explore nature in the heart of the city, then gather our thoughts to create a word poem together. We'll guide you through some creative writing ecotherapy as a way to express your feelings, nurture a dialogue with yourself, the plants, trees and wildlife.

Weaving kindness into mental health research with Mental Health Research for All

How can mental health research be done with kindness? What might "kind research” for mental health look like in practice? Come and join mental health researchers for a discussion and creative quilting session. The MH-ALL team will facilitate a group art activity where participants will have the chance to share what kind mental health research could look like and contribute to weaving a quilt representing their ideas (no sewing skills needed).  We will collate all responses and compose a collective manifesto for Kind Mental Health Research.  

Finding Our Way: singing workshop with Vivien Ellis and The Dragon Cafe

A singing workshop for everyone - led by Vivien Ellis with members of The Dragon Cafe Singers. After some fun vocal warm-ups we will learn a selection of uplifting and original songs written by the Dragon Cafe group, with lively beats, irresistible melodies and catchy choruses, exploring aspects of our mental health.

Beyond Words: Afternoon Book Club

Join Beyond Words’ Afternoon Book Club from 1-3pm in the Learning Centre to read books from their word-free picture series. Beyond Words staff and self-advocates will lead a series of small book clubs developing visual literacy, empathy and understanding as we tell the stories we see in the Beyond Words’ books.

Belonging: Identity, Difference & Community

Join exciting speakers including Shaun Flores, mental health campaigner and TEDX speaker, Rebecca Kenny, poet and Founder of Written Off Publishing, and Dr Patrick Campbell, former trustee of The British Stammering Association, for an informative a lively discussion around the relationship between identity, difference, stigma and prejudice and the how a sense of belonging can support wellbeing.

Work, Rest, Play: Connecting Physical Activity, Sleep & Mental Health

Join Brian Marshall, Head of Sleep Support at The Sleep Charity, and special guests for an insightful exploration of the ways in which physical activity, connection with nature, and healthy rest and sleep influences and supports wellbeing and mental health.

Beyond Words: Art & Colouring Competition Celebration

To close this year's festival, join Mental Wealth Festival founding partners Beyond Words to view art works submitted for the Mental Wealth Festival Art & Colouring competition and celebrate the announcement of the prize winners. 

Upcycled textile jewellery

Learn how to hand twist your own colourful bracelets from fabric remnants, ribbons, shoelaces, or that old tee-shirt! Be inspired by this workshop led by textile artist Tanvi Kant who will show you how to repurpose textiles at home into something special to gift to yourself or a loved one. You will experience how acquiring new skills creatively helps you focus to maintain general well-being.

Thursday 10 October

Friday 11 October

Tasters