A MENTAL health and wellbeing festival in Tameside is returning for what promises to be an uplifting day of support and inspiration.
The Anthony Seddon Fund will host its fifth annual Tameside Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival at Dukinfield Town Hall.
The free event on Wednesday, May 27, from 2pm to 7pm will bring together charities, support organisations, guest speakers and wellbeing practitioners from across the borough and beyond.
It’s taking place during national Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health while educating people about emotional wellbeing.
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, The Anthony Seddon Fund supports people living with long-term mental health conditions and works on suicide prevention across Tameside through counselling, peer support and community outreach.
This year’s festival will feature a series of high-profile guest speakers sharing powerful personal stories around mental health, grief, resilience and recovery.
Among them is Esther Ghey, mental health advocate and mother of Brianna Ghey, who has become a national voice campaigning for safer digital spaces, improved mental health education and greater family support following her daughter’s death.
Former soldier and motivational speaker Jay Allen will share his experiences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recovery after serving in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
Mike McCarthy, founder and chair of the Baton of Hope, will speak about his campaign for better mental health support following the death of his son Ross in 2021.
Also appearing will be Allison Furlong from Alfie’s Squad, a peer support organisation set up following the loss of her son to suicide.
Alongside the talks, visitors can explore a wide range of information stalls and wellbeing activities including sound baths, arts and crafts, hand massages, reiki treatments and live music performances.
The Anthony Seddon Fund says the event is designed to offer a welcoming and supportive environment for anyone wanting to access help, learn more about mental wellbeing or simply connect with others.
A number of local organisations will also attend, including Mentell, Our Kids Eyes, Reiki Rochdale, Hand In Hand Community CIC, Dad Matters UK and Age UK Tameside.
Other groups and services taking part include Samaritans, Healthwatch, The Shed, Finding Rainbows, Diversity Matters North West, Neighbourhood Mental Health Team and CGL.
The Anthony Seddon Fund said the festival is open to everyone and encouraged residents to “come along and take a positive step towards better wellbeing”.
Discussions during the event may include themes of suicide and self-harm, therefore under-16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.