The UK is currently marking Maternal Mental Health Matters Awareness Week 2019; a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental illness during pregnancy or after having a baby and signposting to support for all mums. During this year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, we host a number of events with a focus on maternal mental health. Read on for some of the highlights…
Irene’s Ghost
1.15-3.15pm, Sat 4 May, GFT
After the birth of his own child, director Iain Cunningham is inspired to find out the truth about the mother he never knew. Irene died when Iain was only three, and the family silence meant that she was alive only his imagination. This poignant documentary merges filmed and animated sequences as it movingly rebuilds a lost life.
Winner of the Best Feature Documentary award at SMHAF 2019. The screening is followed by a Q&A with director Iain Cunningham, Catharine Carver from Action on Postpartum Psychosis and Clare Thompson from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.
Book Tickets for Irene’s Ghost
Time to Respond (screening as part of Community Counts)
2-4pm, Sun 5 May, Flourish House
Sitar Rose’s documentary Time to Respond tells the story of Healthy Minds Happy Babies in East Lothian, a group that supports women with postnatal depression who are also survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The short film will screen as part of our Community Counts programme, which shines a light on mental health communities in Scotland and Ireland, celebrating the creativity, resilience and personalities at their heart.
Book Tickets for Time to Respond
Echoes that Remain (screening as part of Scottish Connections)
5.30-7.30pm, Mon 6 May, CCA Glasgow
Echoes That Remain is the story of a woman on the precipice. Susan is dangerously far from all that she feels she should be. She is unable to conceal her inner turmoil anymore and is haunted by all that she finds she is not. Desperate for salvation, Susan has to make a very difficult choice that will irrevocably change her life and that of her only daughter. Forever feeling that every decision before has been the wrong one, can Susan manage to do what’s right, just once in her life? Can she come back from the edge and find resolution? Echoes that Remain screens as part of our Scottish Connections programme, and will be followed by a Q&A with all featured directors, including Kirsty Strain.
Girls Night In
7-8.30pm, Wed 8 May, Erskine Library
Columnist and author Shari Lowe will discuss her book Because Mummy Said So! a funny collection of features about family life. Complimentary Prosecco, cupcakes and chocolate will be served along with therapy sessions courtesy of Eve Spa. Refreshments and therapies included with entry.