The Retrospective Blog -3. The 1 In 4 Film Festival And World Mental Health Day - 04/04/20

Apr, 4 2020

~Welcome to ‘The Retrospective Blog’. Each week I’ll be highlighting the fantastic events The CCG has had the pleasure of being a part of over the years. This week I’m reviewing the 1 in 4 Film Festival and World Mental Health Day.

The CCG has always strived to help people with enduring mental health conditions to get involved and make a difference. They do this by recruiting new volunteers to help and assist at many of the events they have organised.

The 1 in 4 Film Festival is annual occurrence that The CCG has played a considerable part in shaping what it is today. The concept is simple - showcase a variety of films with a mental health theme over a five day period. To add to the films there was always live music prior to the film which was mostly delivered through ‘Music and the Mind’.

The 1 in 4’s message was simple yet effective. To raise awareness of mental health conditions and, more importantly reduce the stigma attached to those conditions.

It’s been a phenomenal success over the years and it often culminated in World Mental Health Day, each year October 10th.

One particular year saw a vast array of musicians, poets and art all symbolizing what mental health means to them.

Last year we had the pleasure of hosting ‘A Star is Born’ in the Mitchell and Kenyon Cinema in the Foster Building. It starred Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga and told the story of depression and alcoholism.

The theme is communicated through an interesting back story that focuses on the pressures of success, ageing and a declining career – the film is critically acclaimed and the themes are handled in a poignant and sensitive way.

There were opportunities for a lively debate which gave the audience a chance to express their thoughts on such a powerful film.

Recent changes mean that The 1 in 4 Film Festival no longer takes place in October yet you can be assured that the CCG will create something for the community in honour of World Mental Health on October 10th 2020.

These two events have changed the way people perceive mental health and have help both young people and mature adults to find effective ways to combat better mental health.

The CCG have supported people in roles they carried out whilst attending events like these. Thankfully, these ones have progressed well and are managing ok but not everyone is able to do this. The 1 in 4 Film Festival and World Mental Day are somewhat of a safe portal for those who are really struggling. But there is hope, together we can all make a difference.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger