We will provide a 'pop-up’ mental health and wellbeing hub giving support, advice and wellbeing workshops at The Young Farmers Annual Show, the Mello Festival, and the Sunshine Festival. The hub will not only be a source of information, it is a place to connect with others and a place to find solace at venues that can be overwhelming. Experience at The Wilderness Festival in 2022 has taught us that often, people are less likely to shy away from talking about mental health in more informal settings. The hub will offer shelter, a calm oasis, somewhere to hold workshops for people of all ages as well as somewhere to talk discreetly with a qualified mental health first aider. This project creates opportunities to have open conversations about mental health and break down the barriers and stigma to let people know they are not alone and there is help available. Finally, the project teaches people new skills and strategies to nurture and protect their mental health & wellbeing.

What we'll deliver:

• Workshops on strategies to support mental health and wellbeing
• Signposting to local and national support
• 1:1 appointments with a Mental Health First Aider

Why it's a great idea:

Worcestershire is a rural area and it is shocking to learn that 88% of farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest problem they face today. 89% of young farmers believe that talking about mental health in farming will remove any stigma attached to it. Figures released by the NHS in 2022 found as many as a quarter of young people aged 17-19 are now experiencing a mental health problem, up from 1 in 6 in 2021. Malvhina Mental Health and Wellbeing aims to support not only the person suffering, but their families too as it can be incredibly hard on those looking after a loved one with a mental health illness. Mental ill-health can have a serious impact on an individual’s education, work, social life and interactions with others- getting help early is essential. Through a series of interactive workshops, opportunities to talk to a mental health first aider and information on where to find help, we can breakdown the stigma and help people make the first step.

Steps to get it done:

• Buy bell tent and furnishings to create a safe hub
• Purchase any additional supplies needed to deliver workshops
• Attend the Worcestershire Young Farmers Annual Show
• Attend the Mello Festival
• Attend the Sunshine Festival

Poor mental health impacts on individuals and their families in lost income, lower educational attainment, quality of life and a much shorter life span. Getting help early and learning key skills to manage mental illnesses such as anxiety can make a difference both to the individual, their families and the wider community. The pop-up hub will nurture healthy communities, both directly within the festival community but also indirectly as visitors return home with a greater understanding of what mental ill-health is and activities they can do and share with others to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community. Marginalised groups in particular can find navigating the mental health system a challenge. Taking support out to these communities allows them to ask questions and have a conversation about any perceived barriers they may have in a very informal and friendly setting with peers who bring both lived and academic experience to the conversation.