Moray participants sought to widen arts charity's mental health conversation
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A MORAY arts charity is looking for locals – and women in particular – to take part in a project exploring mental health.
Moray Arts Development Engagement (M:ADE) is gearing up to launch phase two of its successful initiative last year, M:ADE Aware, in which a group of men featured in a series of short films on male mental health in Moray.
The men each had lived experience and talked candidly about their own circumstances within the group – forming solid friendships in the process. Twelve men participated overall, with eight choosing to be filmed.
The films are designed to encourage open discussion about mental health – to be used as a community resource. Moray Wellbeing Hub uses the M:ADE Aware films in training, and various organisations and businesses make use of them as part of Mental Health Week discussions.
It had been hoped to run the follow-up project earlier this year but the coronavirus pandemic interrupted plans.
M:ADE hopes to establish two groups: one female-only group for those with personal experience of mental health, and a second comprising of individuals who are supporting spouses, friends or family with mental health issues.
Stacey Toner, M:ADE director, said: "Following on from last year's very successful project exploring male mental health with local men, M:ADE are hoping to build on that conversation with local women.
"Although mental health belongs to us all, regardless of sex or gender, there are parallels and differences in those experiences – and the stigmas can be quite unique and complex. All of these perspectives are valuable.
"This also extends to individuals supporting a spouse, family member or friend with mental health issues.
"Although I haven't experienced significant challenges with my own mental health, I have been in heart-breaking situations with a number of people very close to me, and I think this position is often missed in the dialogue. It can be so hard knowing what to say, what not to say, feeling guilty for not being able to help more. I would like to make that more visible and understood but with the help of others from across Moray."
She added: "Now more than ever people are facing mental health problems with the added pressures and stresses brought on by COVID-19."
As it won't be possible to run phase two in the same format due to Covid-19 restrictions, M:ADE is looking for the participants to help shape the next stage – which doesn't necessarily have to be film-based. The key aspect, Stacey added, is the sharing of experiences in the hope it helps others.
Stacey added: "The greatest part of last year's project, for me, was the normalising of the conversation and the refreshing openness embraced by those that took part.
"If you are over 18, residing in Moray and feel you could benefit or help from being part of phase two of this project, please get in touch."
To sign up or for more information, email stacey@morayartsdevelopmentengagement.org or send a text message to 07495 581961 by Friday, June 12.
You can access the M:ADE Aware films here.
