Acclaimed writer and rapper Testament will headline next month’s Sound Mind festival in Leeds, which aims to highlight the benefits that connection, music and movement can have for health and well-being.
Organized by Leeds Libraries, Sound Mind kicks off on November 5 at Leeds Central Library and all of its events are free or low cost.
The program includes free trial sessions with singing, life drawing, playing a musical instrument, creative writing, and yoga.
The Testament session on November 12 is affordable pay as you feel. The award-winning hip-hop MC and playwright will present an evening inspired by the work of the late Leeds writer and musician Francis Steel.
Poets, singers, and musicians will use Francis’ work to explore mental health and mindfulness issues through live spoken word, song, DJs, beatboxing, art, and debate.
Testament, who is based in West Yorkshire, said: “As someone who has been affected by mental health issues, Francis’s work celebrates the power of art and community as an outlet and a way to navigate the world. Together, some of the artists who collaborated and knew him will present his work and the legacy of his art. Expect a colorful array of different artists and art forms to cheer and inspire!”
As part of the event, there will also be a discussion on art, mental health and mindfulness led by award-winning theater director Tom Malcolm Wright.
Other Sound Mind highlights include:
- Sound Rhythms, which opens the festival at Leeds Central Library on November 5. Join Leeds Libraries for a percussion session for the whole family. Drumming is easy, fun and good for the soul. Everyone, of any ability, is welcome to this free inclusive event.
- Make it ring In a conversation with men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club, hear alternative rapper, songwriter and music producer Wilko Wilkes talk about how he has used music as a tool to support mental health recovery. Wilko will also host special live music performances to celebrate the positive impact music can have. On November 17 at the Leeds Central Library
- Join writers Phil Cavell and Nick Swettenham for Midlife Fitness; a conversation about how a healthy diet and work-life balance can nurture a healthy mind, and how middle age can bring its own challenges, both physical and mental. On November 10 at the Leeds Central Library
- And not forgetting the chance to hear the Leeds Big Project Band perform live in the library on November 19th.
To learn more about Sound Mind and to book tickets, go to https://bit.ly/LeedsInspired
According to the national charity Mind, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, but practicing mindfulness and being physically active can improve the mental health of some.
One of the main focuses of the festival is men’s health, as men sometimes find it difficult to ask for help. As November is also Men’s Mental Health Month, Sound Mind is a great opportunity for Leeds men to find out more about how they can improve and maintain their mental well-being. Advice is also available through www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
Andrea Ellison, Leeds City Council Chief Librarian, said:
“Sound Mind is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Leeds to explore how we can all nurture our mental health and well-being, and also find out what other support our libraries can offer. All Sound Mind events are low-cost or completely free, making them affordable for everyone.”
Councilor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Child and Adult Health and Social Care Associations, said:
“With the current cost of living crisis, many people in Leeds are anxious about what the coming months will bring. Our Leeds libraries are great places to get help and support, not only with mental health, but also with other issues that people are concerned about, such as financial pressures.
“Leeds City Council also recently launched a new Cost of Living Crisis webpage, bringing together all the support and services available in the city that can help people through this difficult time.”
The Leeds City Council cost of living webpage can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/costofliving
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