Thursday Programme

In Conversation – Birgitte Bonnesen at Space House 

Former Swedbank CEO Birgitte Bonnesen spent a year fighting to clear her name after being wrongly accused of white-collar crime. She faced prison, but was acquitted of all charges after a stress-inducing appeal. In conversation with City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson, she shares what real resilience looks like when everything is on the line, and how she came out the other side.

Looking After Our Wellbeing Online 

Discover a fresh way to explore online wellbeing in this engaging, creative workshop. Using word-free picture
storytelling, participants will reflect on digital habits, recognise challenges, and share ideas
about keeping safe. The inclusive format welcomes
all ages and communication styles, making space for
everybody. You’ll leave with the confidence to start
meaningful conversations about healthier online lives –
and have some fun along the way!

Take 5: Courageous Conversations with
Garth MacAnally

When everyday conversations get tough, where do you
find the space? Step out of your day for five minutes with Garth MacAnally in the City Gallery, to talk to about anything you bring to the table. Think of it not as therapy, but rather an undivided

Protecting Your Brain: Understanding Cognition, Brain Fog and Dementia Prevention

Our brains change throughout life, influenced by age, hormones, sleep, stress, physical health and lifestyle. This engaging, evidence-based session explores how the brain works, why cognition changes over time, and the many factors that can affect memory, concentration and executive function. 

Tired of Being Tired?: Hugh Selsick’s Sleep Clinic 

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting our mental and physical health, yet many of us struggle to get it right. In this practical session, Dr Hugh Selsick, consultant psychiatrist and lead of the Insomnia Clinic at UCLH, will explore what good sleep really looks like, why it matters, and how to improve it. 

Burnout Free Working with
Dr Richard Duggins

Building resilience won’t stop you from burning out, at
least, not on its own. Dr Richard Duggins, known as “The
Doctor’s Doctor” and a leading expert and trainer on
preventing burnout, argues that real prevention means
changing how we work, not just how we cope.
In this conversation with City Lit Principal Mark
Malcomson, he shares the tools from his book Burnout-
Free Working, showing how to avoid burnout before you
even get close.

Clay, Crisis, and Coming Back

Join us for Clay, Crisis and Coming Back, a Mental Wealth Festival conversation bringing together ceramicists Marice Cumber and Dr Sharon Taylor, and arts writer Hettie Judah, exploring how creativity can support resilience, recovery, and the courage to begin again.

Boost Your Brain Power: Take Charge of Your Mind 

Ready to sharpen your focus, improve your memory, and feel more in control of your thoughts?  Join this dynamic workshop led by Shammi Khalis, founder of Brain Abilitiez (The A to Z of abilities)..

Frazzled Online Meeting 

Join us for an online version of Frazzled facilitated peer support meetings.

Frazzled meetings are designed to provide confidential and non-judgmental peer support, where people who are feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of life can talk openly, connect and feel heard.