A happy body, mind and soul

1. Visitors take part in a Tai Chi workshop
Visitors take part in a Tai Chi workshop

Almost 200 people descended on Charlton House in Greenwich on Tuesday 31 May for the opening of the 2011 Happy Soul Festival – a film, culture and arts festival for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities promoting mental health and wellbeing.

2. Poet David Nieta entertains the crowds with his letter to the Queen
Poet David Nieta entertains the crowds with his letter to the Queen

The theme for the Charlton House event was how to respond, examining how people respond to someone with mental illness. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, who sponsored the event, had a number of clinicians on hand to talk to people about mental health and ensure any issues brought up on the day could be addressed.

Some of the features of the Greenwich event were:

  • film screenings of Open Secrets and Good Hair
  • poetry by David Nieta
  • performances from Love Life 6958, Dhol Drum and Three Bee
  • workshops, including Tai Chi, fitness and Time to Talk
  • a range of information stalls.

Local resident, Theodora John, said: “I wanted to see what was being put on in terms of wellbeing. I really enjoyed the poetry and the rapping. It’s also been good to meet other people and share experiences.”

If you missed the Greenwich event, there is still time to catch one of the other events running in boroughs of Richmond, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth until Sunday 12 June. See www.happysoulfestival.co.uk for more information and to book your place.

3. Oxleas and partner organisations run a wide range of health and wellbeing related stalls, including oral health promotion, mental health and wellbeing and HIV prevention.
Oxleas and partner organisations run a wide range of health and wellbeing related stalls, including oral health promotion, mental health and wellbeing and HIV prevention.

Published on 3rd June 2011