Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual celebration and movement focused on wellbeing and raising awareness on a variety of topics that can directly impact on one's welfare. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 13-19 May 2019.

What does mental health mean to you? To us, it’s taking a step back to enjoy our surroundings, appreciate culture and de-stress with some arts and crafts. At The Lightbox, we believe in improving the wellbeing of our community every day of the week, and we'll tell you why:

Monday 

We are closed to the public on a Monday so that we can make sure we’re fully prepared and ready for a busy week. Planning our week means that we can be more productive in maintaining the diverse programme of exhibitions, workshops and events on offer, whilst having enough time to relax and spend with friends and family.

Tuesday

Twice a month on a Tuesday our friendly Lightbox volunteers host Storytelling for Under 5s, a free session starting at 11.00am on a first-come, first-served basis. Your little ones can enjoy stories, rhymes and hands-on creative fun whilst socialising and learning to play with new friends.

Wednesday

Art in Mind has been running on a Wednesday since 2013, and is a monthly programme of art workshops for people living with dementia and their carers. Research has shown that artistic stimulation prolongs, in the case of dementia, the ability for people to play an active part in society. By focusing on the participants' creativity we can encourage a positive outcome, enabling an increase in the emotional wellbeing of those that are taking part in our sessions.

For more information on our Art in Mind workshops, please email Vicky Thompson, Learning & Engagement Officer, or call 01483 737812.

Thursday

Surrounding yourself with art and culture is the perfect way to unwind after a long day in the office. Every last Thursday of the month, enjoy free entry to our Main and Upper Gallery exhibitions (usually £5 with a Day Pass) from 5.00pm – 8.30pm. With tasty burgers on offer, why not stay for a bite to eat and some cocktails at Seasons Café, too?

Find out more about our Lightbox Lates events, including Poetry Open Mic and Joke in the Box, here.

Friday

Immersing yourself in art is – scientifically proven – a great escape from the stresses and pressures of everyday life. Twice a month on a Friday, from 10.30am–12.30pm, you can collect a stool and some art materials from the Education Studio and set off into the galleries for two hours of indulgent reflective time to draw inspiration from the outstanding works on display. Drawing for Adults is for art enthusiasts of all abilities, so whether you're a beginner or improver, why not give it a go?

Saturday

Expanding your interests and developing your knowledge doesn't have to be difficult, and it doesn't have to feel like a chore. Every Saturday, The Lightbox offers a range of workshops, talks and events, all designed to engage and enable you to discover and develop new passions.

Sunday

Did you know? Every Sunday, the Ambassador Room becomes a yoga studio, where Susan from Susan’s World of Yoga runs an energising yoga class focusing on posture, breathing and relaxation. Start your Sunday right with Dynamic Hatha Flow and set yourself up for the week ahead. This is a this fantastic way to be kinder to our body by staying mobile and healthy, both physically and mentally.

For more information or to book onto a Sunday yoga session, please contact Susan directly.

You can book any of the workshops, talks or events mentioned above on our website or by calling Reception on 01483 7378137. Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by Mental Health Foundation and runs on a yearly basis since 2001.