30 April 2021

We are excited to reveal Borders events which will be taking place as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF).

Next week the 15th annual SMHAF will explore this year's theme of 'Normality?' from 3 – 23 May.

NHS Borders has worked with partners including Alchemy Film & Arts and Live Borders to bring together a range of events hosted specifically for Borders audiences, such as online films screenings, creative writing workshops and information sessions.

One Borders project which interrogates the theme is normality is ‘My Frame of Mind’. This ambitious and innovative photographic project by ‘At Birkhill House’ examines the types of things that have helped people stay positive throughout lockdown. Participants showcase the places, things and people which helped them through photographing them through empty picture frames. These powerful images have been curated into a hand-made book by local artist Lara Armitage. The film can be viewed online from 3rd May.

Just a day later on 4 May there will be the world premiere of a new film made by Scottish Borders' After A Suicide Working Group and produced by Alchemy Film & Arts. The film titled Healing The Loss, will screen online via Zoom between 12 noon and 1pm as part of a discussion event focusing on the experiences of people who are bereaved by suicide in the Scottish Borders. Further details and booking can be found online.

Head of Health Improvement, Fiona Doig, said: "This year the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival is more important than ever. The festival theme of exploring normality gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past 14 months and consider how we feel as restrictions begin to ease as individuals and as communities.

“Coping with stress and change is a very personal thing which can be difficult. So it’s important to be kind to yourself and others.

“There are things you can do to look after your own mental health like getting outside for a walk, taking up a new hobby that you’ll enjoy, being creative, learning something new or even just accepting kindness that others offer. Building these ways to be well into our day to day lives will help us improve our mental wellbeing as we move to our new normality as a Borders community.

“Please remember that help is available should you need it. The Mental Health & Wellbeing Point on NHS Borders website has a weather of resources and advice as well as self-referral forms for our Wellbeing Service. There is also national free, confidential helplines such as Breathing Space and Samaritans which offer support for anyone experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.”

Further information on the Borders events taking place for SMHAF, as well as local resources can be found online.

National support includes:

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (Mon–Thurs: 6 pm–2 am, Fri: 6 pm–Mon 6 am) A free, confidential helpline for anyone experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression, or who is unusually worried and needs someone to talk to.

Samaritans: 116 123 (24hrs/day) or jo@samaritans.org provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Calls are free.

SHOUT: Crisis text line 85258 (24 hours, 7 days) Texts are free.

Saneline: 0300 304 7000

Stay Alive App Download the free App on the App Store or Google Play. The App is packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis.