INFORMATIVE
TALKS
A unique aspect of Live Well Festival which you will want to take part in is the Informative Talks being held across the weekend. Live Well Festival's purpose is to provide people with a creative outlet for stress, but also to inform and educate society on aspects of mental health and wellbeing.
​
There will be three different talks each day from established professionals who will speak about their personal experience and share knowledge of various mental health topics.
PTSD: Life carries on is a talk by Joe West, an Australian author and mountain climber who has openly spoken about his experiences with PTSD following the death of his brother during an expedition.
"When a part of your life changes suddenly, you just expect the world to stop. But here's the thing, it doesn't. We're just expected to keep going, so today I'm sharing with you exactly how you can." Joe West, 2023.
.png)
How to Help my Anxiety is a talk by Sarah Smith, a PHD student from the US who has shared her journey with anxiety via TikTok.
"It's scary how many people are battling anxiety in their lives every day and don't realise there are ways to get help. Anxiety has become so normalised in this day and age, but that doesn't make it any less severe of a disorder. You can help yourself by helping your anxiety and I am ready to show you how." Sarah Smith, 2023.
.png)
Let's Speak about Suicide is a talk by Marc Williams, a British Psychologist and author who aims to raise awareness on the signs and symptoms of suicide to help raise prevention rates.
"Suicide is a serious issue which many generations are currently facing. It is a subject which is more common than many think and needs to be discussed to make others feel safe and heard." Marc Williams, 2023.
.png)
Managing my Moods is a talk by Christopher Olsen, an Irish actor who has openly spoken about his experience with a mood disorder diagnosis.
"When you're working in a professional environment and you feel that shift, it can feel like the world is against you. I want to share my story and experience to show others that you can struggle with mood swings and still be successful." Christopher Olsen, 2023.
.png)
Start to Support is a talk by Harry Brand, a British support worker who has worked in the mental health and wellbeing field for a number of years.
"Quite often we find that taking the first step can be the hardest, and usually that is seeking support. Whether you need to receive or give support, it can be hard to know how to go about it in the right way so this is the talk for those who want to learn more." Harry Brand, 2023.
.png)
My Life with Borderline is a talk by Melanie Davis, a British vlogger who has documented her journey with Borderline Personality Disorder online.
"There is a lot of misconception surrounding the disorder; even I didn't know much about it when I was diagnosed myself. That is why it is so important to talk; I want to give my knowledge and what I have learned to others so that it can be easier for them." Melanie Davis, 2023.
.png)
Gender Generation is a talk by Gender and Equality Studies Professor Lucy Lowe which opens the conversation surrounding a gender spectrum and pronouns.
"As a society we are becoming more accepting of identities, but there is clearly a generational shift between who is accepting and who is unsure. This talk will stand to provide those wanting to know more about gender and identity with further insight to understand our society better." Lucy Lowe 2023.
.png)
Talking Taboos is a talk by Josie Ryan, a British comedian and podcast host who speaks confidently on issues that are typically shied away from in society.
"It's officially time that we sit down and have a chat about what we really needed to learn at school, even if it sometimes makes us feel a bit uncomfortable to talk about." Josie Ryan, 2023.
.png)
Saying NO is a talk by Ruby Rollins, a British writer and activist who created the women's nightline campaign for sexual assault victims.
"It is inconceivable the number of women who I have spoken with who have experienced forms of sexual assault because they were too scared to say no. In the moment our words can often escape us, so let's have a look at other ways we can say no and protect ourselves from harm." Ruby Rollins,2023.