Celebrating mental health

THE Art of the Minds Festival will return to the Surf Coast next week with an action-packed program of events.

Running from October 6 until October 13, the festival celebrates all things mental health and includes around 30 events for children through to teenagers and adults.

The festival will see some of its most popular events return including the art exhibition, song contest, Big Boy Breakfast and more.

 

Art of the Minds founder and president Jules Haddock said there was a focus on sharing stories of lived experiences and creative platforms throughout the events.

“A songwriter for example, or the poetry night where people get a chance to use creativity, but we also use that platform to educate people about mental health and wellness and how all of these hobbies and interests are so important for our mental health and well-being.

“People, I think, are just not aware how prevalent mental illness is and it’s nothing to be frightened of.
“Just as you get a cold and you get over it, you can have an episode of depression and anxiety and with the right support you can get through that.”

 

The festival will officially launch on World Mental Health Day, October 10.

“This year we’ve got a free event for the community at the Grant Pavilion with people sharing their lived experience stories, the men’s shed and Lukey Luke playing,” Ms Haddock said.

“We’ll have stall holders of mental health and community groups as well, it’s a really fantastic day for the community.”

Ms Haddock started the festival in 2016 as a way of sharing her own experiences and has continued to grow the event.

“I started it with the art exhibition, which is going to be held in Aireys Inlet this year, I think we have close to 40 people who have entered that,” she said.

“That’s how I started Art of the Minds, by calling out to the community so I’ve always got a soft spot for that.”

For more information and the full event program, head to artoftheminds.org.au