Festival of Hope
A DAY OF FREE EVENTS TO CELEBRATE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Tuesday 10th October at 2 Royal Avenue 10am – 5pm
World Mental health day takes place on 10th October every year and the theme for this year’s Northern Ireland regional campaign is “Creating Hope through Action”.
To help you create hope through action, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust is hosting a series of workshops and activities at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast City Centre to mark World mental health day. All events are free of charge and any materials required are provided.
Explore the drop down menu below for more information and to register for workshops.
WORKSHOPS
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Nature’s Prescription Workshop 10am – 11am
Come and hear about the surprising science behind why nature can help improve our mental health and some practical ways we can integrate nature more into our lives.
The workshop will be delivered by Deborah Mullan from Tree & Tide. Deborah is an accredited psychotherapist and natural mindfulness guide and is passionate about helping people find ways to live and feel better.
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Self-Compassion Through Movement 11.30am – 12.30pm
Learn how movement can help us nurture kindness towards ourselves. In this session we will explore through gentle movement, breathing and mindful awareness what it means and how it feels to cultivate self-compassion. The workshop is suitable for all abilities and no special clothing required. This session will be delivered by Justine Brown, Health Improvement Worker with Belfast Trust.
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Food & Mood Workshop 1pm – 2pm
Discover the connection between food and mood with Mags Johnston of Discover You NI. Mags will explore the growing body of evidence supporting the link between our mood and what we eat. She will share information, tips, and resources to help you explore the topic of gut health, embrace a variety of healthier eating options, and enable a new way of thinking around food and overall wellbeing.
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Zentangle Art Workshop 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Experiment and create your own Zentangle artwork with pen and colour in this workshop led by Arts Care Artist in Residence, Beth McComish. The workshop will encourage a caring and calm space for you to experiment – no previous experience or skills required! Creating art is therapeutic and the workshop will encourage self-expression free from judgement.
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Clay Creations Workshop 4pm – 5pm
Sharon and Sian from The Conservation Volunteers will help you create your own keyring or coaster using clay impressions of native leaves and wildflowers painted with watercolours. You’ll learn about our local trees, plants and flowers and how to identify them, as well as having a little bit of nature to take home with you afterwards.
Drop-In Activities – All 10am to 5pm
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Add your song to the Hope Playlist
Tell us which song makes you feel hopeful and why. Your song choices will be added to our “Hope Playlist” that will be playing on the day. Read about other people’s song choices and be inspired!
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Help Create our Giant Artwork
Anyone will be welcome to contribute to an art piece on the theme of hope that will be created on the day. All materials will be provided.
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Learn About Support Available
Many of us experience difficulties with our mental health. You’ll be able to pick up information on services available across the City if you feel that you need help.
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Enrol with the Recovery College
Belfast Recovery College run a huge range of courses on topics related to mental health and emotional wellbeing; all available free of charge. Meet staff from the College, browse the prospectus and sign up for courses at their information stand.
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Explore Books that can Improve your Mental Health
You’ll be able to browse a range of both fiction and non-fiction books that can improve your mental health at the Libraries NI information stand. You can also find out what’s on at your local library – a range of free events to promote wellbeing are run at Libraries across the City.
FAQs
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Who is the Event for?
- All welcome! The event focusses on how we can all look after our mental health, so we hope there is something for everyone
- The workshops are suitable for anyone aged 16+ and the drop-in activities are open to people of all ages
- All workshops and activities are free of charge and any materials required are provided.
- Due to limitation on numbers you must register in advance for the workshops
- The venue is dog friendly
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Food & Drinks
- No food or refreshments will be provided as part of the event
- You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch, drinks or snacks and can enjoy these inside the venue
- You can purchase refreshments at the onsite Yallaa Café which offers a range of contemporary Mediterranean and Arabic dishes with a local twist.
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Getting to 2 Royal Avenue
- The 2 Royal Avenue venue is in a central city centre location, accessible via Metro and Glider routes.
- Bus and train stations serving the wider Northern Ireland area are a short walk away. Visit the Translink website for bus and train timetables.
- Accessible parking spaces are available on Castle Place and Donegall Place.
- There is a bicycle parking rack outside the venue.
Accessibility at 2 Royal Avenue
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- There is an accessible toilet on site.
- Wheelchairs are available for our guests visiting the venue. These are free of charge to borrow but are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The venue has a sensory dome for visitors with sensory issues or anyone who needs a quiet play space.
- There is light and sound display within the dome and fidget toys and headphones are available on request.
- This venue is dog friendly and assistance dogs are permitted across all areas.
- Visitors can access a quiet room if they need to.
- The venue entrance is on flat ground for easy access for those with accessibility needs.