Mental health experts to appear on Aberdeenshire panel for International Women’s Day
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From inspiring speakers to informative workshops, an event held on International Women's Day will see people come together to explore all things mental health.
The impact of the menopause, lived experience of mental health and the role of suicide prevention will all be up for discussion at the event - which will be held on March 8 at the Wyness Hall in Inverurie.
Although the event is open to all, the focus will cover numerous different aspects of women's wellbeing - with female speakers hosting talks on a wide variety of issues.
The initiative has been put together by community engagement officers, who are part of the north-east suicide prevention team at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health.)
The charity has been commissioned by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, as part of multi-agency work surrounding suicide prevention at a local level.
Brian Johnston and Justine Dunbar have led on the project, and currently deliver suicide prevention training across city and shire.
“This is an opportunity to not only celebrate women, but to start the conversation surrounding women’s mental health here in the north-east,” said Justine.
“We want to promote an even better understanding of suicide prevention and explore women’s mental health, alongside enabling those with lived experience to tell their story.”
Third sector organisations including Mikeysline and Home-Start will also be attending, with the opportunity for networking and open forum.
The current lineup of speakers includes Helen Goldie who will be exploring the impact of the menopause on mental health, alongside Karen Scaife who is Wellbeing and Engagement manager at Aberdeen University. Former SAMH community engagement officer turned Original 106 DJ, Beth Wallace, will also be speaking about her experiences surrounding mental health and recovery.
Gill Skene, who is chair of LATNEM will be talking all things maternal mental health.
The charity provides peer support groups for mums and birthing people across Scotland, having rapidly expanded since launching in 2020.
“We have had several incidences where people have disclosed suicidal ideation to us, and we know that around one in five will develop a mental illness in the ante/perinatal period,” said Gill.
“It is fantastic to have an event that will not only bring so many women together, but could well enable people to feel less alone and more able to seek support when needed.”
There's no need to buy a ticket as this is a free event, simply drop in from 1pm-4pm.
Speakers will commence at 2pm, and the running order is as follows - 2pm: Gill Skene of LATNEM; 2.15pm: Karen Scaife of Aberdeen University; 2.30pm: Helen Goldie, Community pharmacist based in Aberdeen; 2.45-3pm Comfort break; 3pm: Dr Samantha Whiteside; 3.15pm: Original 106 DJ, Beth Wallace; 3.30pm: Emma Baxter, co-founder of Grow Free.
