Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival is Here
Some fantastic events will be taking place at venues throughout North Ayrshire in the coming weeks as part of this year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, including art and photography exhibitions, theatre, poetry, music, arts workshops, a community drumming circle, and much more.
Tickets for the majority of events are free, but pre-booking may be required. For more information and a link to the full programme of events, visit the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival website.
As part of the festival, our Learning Disability Service is working in partnership with others to provide two events exploring the work of Robert Burns. Entitled 'A Cup o' Kindness', these will take different approaches to his poetry.
All are welcome to join Ayrshire poet and storyteller, Simon Lamb, for a lively, interactive and inclusive performance about the work of Robert Burns.
Together, you’ll look at some key examples of the poetry of Burns, sharing in the joy and kindness of his work, as well as making space to pause and enjoy the power of poetry. The session will run from 1.15pm to 2.15pm on Tuesday 20 October at the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, and tickets can be booked online.
The second event will see Ailie Finlay lead a sensory storytelling session at Trindlemoss Day Opportunities on Wednesday 28 October.
Ailie, who specialises in story sessions for people with severe/profound additional needs, will use sounds, sights, textures and actions to lead participants through a sensory retelling of Robert Burns’ poem ‘The Wren’s Nest’, as well as other aspects of his work.
As these sessions are intended for people with profound/multiple learning disabilities and their supporters, the event will be split into three smaller groups with a maximum of 6 participating clients per session. To book a spot for your chosen time slot, follow the links below:
- Wednesday 28 October: Sensory storytelling session (1pm to 1.30pm)
- Wednesday 28 October: Sensory storytelling session (2pm to 2.30pm)
- Wednesday 28 October: Sensory storytelling session (3.15pm to 3.45pm)
For additional information in relation to the sessions, please email dominic.jarrett@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
These events have been made possible with the support of the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature fund.
Published October 09, 2026
