Aberdeen Science Centre to hold events focusing on mental health
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Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) is delivering a series of mental health workshops during May to tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide toolkits to help boost self-care.
The events include two adult specific workshops, a public day for families and a community group day, ensuring as many people as possible have access to the information, guidance and tools.
Available for adults only, The Science of Self Care workshop on Thursday, May 12, from 6.30pm to 9pm, will explore evidence on how sleep, eating well, exercise and making time with friends and family can positively impact mindset. Attendees will also receive advice on recommended self-care methods for their own requirements.
The second adult-only event, The Science of Mental Health on Thursday, May 19, from 6.30pm to 9pm, will offer a detailed and interactive analysis of mental health and associated conditions.
This session aims to break down pre-conceived notions about mental illness and provide a detailed understanding of the complexities of the human brain.
After each workshop has finished, attendees will be invited to explore the fully refurbished centre and see what the visitor attraction has to offer.
Both events will be delivered to community groups on a monthly basis as part of ASC’s outreach programme.
Offering educational resources for all ages, Aberdeen Science Centre will host a public day focusing on mental health activities on Sunday, May 15.
An interactive story session will use characters to help youngsters explore emotions in the Under 6s zone, while families with children over the age of six will delve deep into the science of wellbeing and what mental health actually means.
Visitors will also be guided through the five ways to wellbeing – connect, take notice, keep learning, be active and give – offering a practical step by step process as a long-term tool.
Funded by the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the activities tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of the subject.
Community engagement coordinator at ASC Vanessa Vazquez said: “Aberdeen Science Centre is passionate about educating the public and we feel these events are incredibly relevant and impactful to the local community.
“We applied for the funding from ACVO due to an increase in referrals for mental health services during the pandemic.
"Our hope is our sessions provide some basic tools and guidance to reassure members of the community that help is available. After a difficult couple of years, mental health and self-care should be one of our top priorities.
“Teaching people about mental health and what can happen if it is neglected is essential. Being able to spot the warning signs is vital in ensuring the wellbeing and happiness of ourselves and those around us.”
Aberdeen Science Centre will also have various drop-by activities on throughout the centre during the public day, allowing visitors to explore models of the brain and learning what each part of the brain is responsible for.
Both adult-only events are available to book via Eventbrite:
The Science of Self Care at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-science-of-self-care-tickets-310420234277
The Science of Mental Health at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-science-of-mental-health-tickets-310558738547
The mental health activity day for the public is available to attend as a standard ticket.
Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance to avoid missing out. To book visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/product/admission-tickets
