To mark World Mental Health Day, UHI Inverness, Creativity in Care, Mikeysline and Highland Skate Parks Association have teamed up for this unique film and discussion event that looks at the link between skateboarding and mental health.
The diverse programme includes a series of shorts and extracts from longer projects – including documentation of a collaborative photography and poetry project at Inverness Skatepark – which explore the benefits of skateboarding for mental health. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion focusing on skatepark use, physical activity and mental health.
Windows of Reality (4m)
Story extracts reflecting mental health experiences, told through puppets made by people from around the Highlands. Part of a larger Creativity in Care story project about the impacts of Covid-19.
Not a Burden (1m30s)
A spoken word poem highlighting mental health and wellbeing, and filmed in local settings. Developed by Mikeysline.
A Land for Everyone (12m)
This short follows Scottish skateboarders Hannah Bailey and Lyndsay McLaren through the wild winding roads of Torridon as they explore the belief that “respect, protect and share” applies in the outdoors, skateboarding, sport, the land and everyday humanity.
A Different Gravitation (5m)
This short captures a collaborative photography and poetry project which took place at Inverness Skatepark, involving Highland Skate Parks Association, UHI Inverness, Inverness Darkroom and poet Cáit O’Neill McCullagh.
Smile Interview with John Rattray (12m)
Scottish skate legend John Rattray opens up about his life in skateboarding, the mental health challenges he faced being pro, and the depression he experienced after losing family members to alcoholism and suicide.
Why so Sad? (15m)
The Why so Sad? project aims to invite conversation around mental health. It simply asks that—as well as skating or riding— we also take some time to stop talk, listen, read and learn about this subject. This film short explores how skating can be beneficial for mental health and trauma recovery.
