Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival

Public benefits

- What are the benefits that flow as a result of the purpose being carried out? The benefits are artistic expression, raising awareness of the many issues related to mental health and to the benefit of art as a tool for recovery. The people who take part will have their work show cased and their self-esteem boosted. The people who attend the

festival events may experience the mental health benefits of engaging with art and of engaging with other people with shared experiences. There will be the benefit of challenging stigma and brings arts and community services together with people who avail of services. - How are these benefits capable of being demonstrated? Via collecting feedback and evaluation from participants. - Who are the intended beneficiaries? People with mental health issues, people who attend arts events, artists, service users and providers from every walk of life. - Is there any harm or potential for harm as a result of the purpose being carried out? No it is highly unlikely that there is potential for harm as the festival is organised by professionals in social care and art who have training and backgrounds in mental health and social care and careful not to create events which could harm people. - Does anyone gain a private benefit as a result of the purpose being carried out? No.

What your organisation does

NIMHAF is a festival which has a programme of arts based events with a mental health related theme and a focus on promoting recovery. These events are run in partnership with a range of organisations providing services for people with mental health problems and therefore NIMHAF has a focus on equality and diversity.