On the Button

Bumbag? Check. Luminescent shell suit? Check. Positive attitude in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges? Hell yeah! Inspired by real life stories, this is a frank, funny and open exploration of a topic that too often remains taboo: the challenge of overcoming anxiety.

Documentary Award Winner

After eight years in the mental health system, Eric takes the decision to exercise control over his treatment for schizophrenia. What follows is an intense struggle with the law, his doctors and his family, as he strives to find his own path to wellbeing. With a powerful human story at its heart, Crazy raises vital questions about human rights and stigma in the context of a system that fails to account for individual circumstances.

How can we nurture our collective sanity? Bouncing on a pilates ball in the Land of Lounge Room, a recovering mum is desperate to soothe her baby.

As part of our commitment to fostering new work that explores mental health, we are delighted to present and discuss new works in progress from five artists, giving audiences an insight into performances that may appear at future SMHAF events.

Join us to honour the very best entries from our annual writing competition, held in partnership with Bipolar Scotland. Prepare to be inspired by the winning writers as they read from their work, while there will also be live music and a drinks reception.

You have been signed up to a game you never wanted to play.

Your family member is in prison, only you can pass go.

Roll the dice; one step forward, two spaces back.

Be ready for anything.

Uncover the rules and some day you may win.

CON(SCRIPTED) is an interactive performance encompassing poetry, soundscape, installation and sensory overload. 

The Distant Voices project invites you to the launch of a truly remarkable album. Not Known at this Address brings together some of Scotland’s most celebrated songwriters with people who have first-hand experience of the criminal justice system.

A special showcase event on the theme of Beginnings, featuring a range of spoken word, music and theatre acts including author and campaigner Catherine Simpson and poet Deanna Rodger. Hosted by Jenny Lindsay.