Dave's Progress. Chapter 75: Sanity Fair.

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So, it's that time of year again. Time, that is, for our annual celebration of all things to do with mental health in Stoke-on-Trent, "Sanity Fair". Sanity Fair is a sort of street carnival which takes place in Piccadilly in Hanley annually and is organised by my very own Media Action Group for Mental Health. As a result, our office has been extremely busy getting the event together. There will be a variety of musicians and bands playing at the event, as well as stalls representing more or less everyone in the local mental health field, from charities like ourselves, Mind, Rethink and the local North Staffordshire User's Group to those actually involved in services, from social services to the "early intervention" team.
So, if you happen to be in the area please come along and join us in a celebration of "madness". Indeed, it may seem like an odd thing to do, to "celebrate" mental ill health, which can, after all, be a harrowing and painful experience. However, now almost all services are geared towards recovery, we at MAGMH know for one, that to experience even the most severe of mental health conditions does not necessarily mean a life-time of suffering. People can and do recover and go on to contribute to society in whatever ways they can. As this blog attests, often because of stigma, we are perhaps a long way from having the participation in society that many of us would hanker after, but we have indeed, in the words of Fatboy Slim, come a long way, baby, so why not celebrate the progress that we have made.
Also, this is a very family oriented day, so if you feel like bringing the kids along, please do. After all, there will probably be face painting, clowns and other activities that are specifically for the children.
Unfortunately, Sanity Fair has some competition this year in the form of a pop concert being organised by the local Signal Radio which takes place in Hanley Park on the same day. But you don't want to go to that! I know you would much rather have a slightly crazy time along with us crazies at Sanity Fair on Saturday 19th June!
That's all for now from your normal, average, delusional and paranoid man.

Comments

klahanie said…
Dear David,
My goodness, it is that time of year again.
'Sanity Fair' is indeed an excellent example of combating the stigma that still surrounds mental health concerns.
Of course, my claim to fame was that I was part of a radio broadcast on BBC radio 5 Live that promoted the event along with promoting 'Mind Bloggling'.
I wish Sanity Fair much success in the ongoing journey of alleviating the popular misconceptions that the mentally unwell, have endured.
With kind wishes, Gary.
14 June 2010 at 12:48
David said…
Dear Gary,
Thanks for your kind comments and support.
As I said in my blog, in historical terms, we've come a long way with the improvement of the treatment of those with mental ill health. However, there is still some way to go, and that, I suppose, is why things like Sanity Fair are here.
I hope that "benjaminga" feels the same, although I cannot read Japanese so unfortunately cannot tell!
Thanks once again Gary. Maybe I will even see you there (???)
With Very Best Wishes,
David.
14 June 2010 at 22:14
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