Moray’s Feelgood Festival Kicks Off

The third annual Feelgood Festival which is set to spread a smile and encourage people to be inspired and get creative.

The Feelgood Festival is Moray’s unique contribution to the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival, one of the country’s most diverse cultural events, covering everything from music, film, workshops, visual art, theatre and literature, all designed to get people thinking and talking about mental health.

The 2013 festival successfully engaged with between 1500-2000 people of all ages from across Moray within schools and community venues. We all have mental health and the festival and its events are open to all people.

The festival aims to shine a light on mental health by promoting wellbeing along with innovative programming, featuring contributions from individuals who have experience of mental health issues as well as exploring the links between the arts, creativity and wellbeing.

The Moray Feelgood Festival kicks off in October (1st-31st) and promises a packed programme of arts and film events and activities.

The festival is directed by the Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership and would not be possible without its many partners and supporters, including those with lived experience of mental health issues.

Chair of Moray Council’s Health and Social Care Committee, Cllr Lorna Creswell, said that Moray has a strong local arts scene which the month-long event will be tapping into.

“The arts have an important role in keeping us healthy, happy and feeling included in our communities,” she said.

“Looking after our mental health is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and the community events taking place are a great way to get people experiencing the feel good factor and for them to find out more about how they can take positive steps to good mental health and wellbeing.”

Through connecting with communities, engaging with the arts and forming new collaborations, the festival and its wide programme of events will provide opportunities to get people thinking and talking about mental health, challenge mental health stigma and promote positive mental health and wellbeing messages”

Steven McCluskey, Moray Council’s health improvement strategic manager who is directing the festival said there will be many opportunities across events to find out more about sources of help and support as well as how to get involved with local groups.

“We all have mental health and the festival is open to all people, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival and its many events.”

The festival runs from 1st-31st October. Festival programme brochures and event flyers will be available across community venues and libraries. News, updates, event and mental health information can also be found on the festivals website at Website / Website

Also check out Twitter @morayfeelgood and Facebook: Moray Feelgood Festival