World Mental Health Day will be marked at the opening of the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics in a special session with TV’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee.
The session with the author, podcaster and star of Doctor in the House will discuss solutions to stress and how to a lead calmer, happier and healthier life. A further event specifically on male mental health will be held on Saturday 12th October.
The festival, which runs from Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th October, has over 25 events exploring all the major political issues. As well as events on mental health the Festival will debate Brexit, next year’s US presidential election, women in power and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riot.
Celebrated figures featuring this year include Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, journalist and broadcaster Andrew Marr, former Presiding Officer George Reid and former First Minister Henry McLeish.
Speaking on the eve of the Festival, the Presiding Officer the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, said: “There is always a buzz around the Parliament on the week of the Festival and this year is no different.
“Given the significance of World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to be welcoming Dr Rangan Chatterjee to the Parliament to look at how we can all lead happier, healthier lives.
“This year’s festival is packed with high quality debate and thought-provoking discussion. With such momentous political shifts taking place it’s essential that people have a space to consider, talk and reflect on the issues that matter most to them. The Parliament is the perfect place for that debate.
“The passion and engagement of our audience is what makes the festival so great and we look forward to welcoming people into the heart of Scotland’s democracy for another terrific Festival of Politics.”
This year’s festival will also feature two exhibitions and sees the return of the popular café bar, with free musical entertainment.
The exhibitions will show a selection of portraits from the Royal Society of Edinburgh celebrating some of Scotland’s finest female scientists, and portraits reflecting on the process of ageing on the mind and body as captured by Fionna Carlisle.
Tickets are available at www.parliament/scot/festival.
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