World Mental Health Day: upcoming SMHAF highlights …

Diagnonsense

Wed 22 Oct, 6-8pm, University of Aberdeen
Fri 7 Nov, 8 – 9.50pm, CCA, Glasgow

Chloe Abrahams’ debut feature film is a heart-wrenching and beautiful meditation centring on three generations of women wading through their entangled histories, leaning into themes of identity, history of violence, trauma and healing.

Creative Healing

22 Oct, 29 Oct 5 Nov, 10am – 12pm, The Recovery Corner, Dunoon

Designed especially for women impacted by trauma, sexual violence, poor mental health, addiction or social isolation, these supportive creative workshop sessions from Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis offer a safe space to explore emotions, discover new coping tools and build community.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

22 Oct – 9 Nov, Wed – Sun, 11am – 6pm, Summerhall, Edinburgh
Launch: 21 Oct, 6-8pm

Now in its 13^th year, this powerful exhibition will feature artworks made by over 400 people with mental health issues. In a range of media, exhibitors will explore Comfort & Disturb and a variety of themes

Heather Bestel: Twelve

Sat 25 Oct – Mon 5 Jan, Open 24 hours, Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary

A powerful collage collection by Heather Bestel, created during the first year following her diagnosis of complex PTSD. Each of the 12 pieces reflects a month of healing – raw, fragmented and transformative.

Raw Voices

Tue 28 Oct, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, South Beach Baptist Church, North Ayrshire

An evening of original poems and songs by students of North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College. Students have worked with a singer-songwriter, a performance poet and a drama facilitator to help them express their feelings, process trauma, and build on their creativity.

Never Give Up

Tue 28 Oct, 7 – 9pm, Boardwalk Theatre, Glasgow

Headliner JustKate shares her journey of survival and transformation through spoken word, piano, and soulful singing. Her story is both raw and poignant, shaped by her experiences with the Scottish care system.

SMHAF X WAYWORD

Wed 29 Oct, 6.15 – 9.30pm, Cowdray, Aberdeen

The writing awards is a major highlight in the SMHAF programme and one of our most enduring successes. This year we are excited to be teaming up with WayWORD at the University of Aberdeen and We Are here Scotland to present a live literary showcase and our annual prizegiving, hosted by poet Jo Gilbert.

Liminal

Thu 30 Oct – Thu 6 Nov, 10am-5pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
Open Day: Sat 1 Nov, 1–4pm

Liminal is a collaborative exhibition developed by young people working with the Mental Health Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and artist Louise Fraser, exploring the in-between spaces that young people often find themselves in—between childhood and adulthood, wellness and illness, comfort and unease.

Waves of Hope and Faith

Sat 1 Nov, 11am – 6pm, City Church Dundee

An arts and performance event presented by Inspiration Project, exploring the theme of Comfort & Disturb through the lens of Ukrainian cultural traditions.

This powerful programme brings together inclusive, trauma-informed workshops and a moving musical performance co-created by refugees and trauma survivors. It explores the experience of exile and the healing power of community art.

Out of the Shadows

Mon 3 – Fri 7 Nov, 9am – 3pm, Atrium Business Centre, Coatbridge

An exhibition of paintings by young people who attend The Aims Project, reflecting their personal journeys from high school into adulthood. Each piece explores mental health challenges and insights into hopes for the future.