NI Mental Health Arts Festival

06/06/2026

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited as Guest Speaker at Art Society to reflect upon the role of & our recent success of our 13th Annual NI Mental Health Arts Festival
Sincere thanks to you all for such a warm welcome.Looking forward to exploring potential collaborations for the future.

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

We were thrilled to host Prof Daisy Fancourt Prof of Epidemiology University College London, joined us for our NI Mental Health Arts Festival.Listen here as she advocates for the Arts at the ×SWLondon.
You can hear our Art of Conversation with Noelle Mc Alinden featuring Prof Daisy Fancourt reflect upon her compelling research how access to the Arts should be a Human Right recorded by NVTV Belfast.

Welcome to the Art of Conversation with Noelle Mc Alinden featuring Prof Daisy Fancourt, together they reflect upon Art Cure and her latest book based upon h...

01/06/2026

We at NI Mental Health Arts Festival could not be prouder to partner with Rock Choir Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway for a very special BBC series 'Caring Together ' with Natalie cassidy Very moving & very inspiring to highlight the power of communal singing upon Mental Health & Well being.Thankyou Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway Music

26/05/2026

Thankyou for the opportunity to speak on BBC Good Morning Ulster this morning in support of carers & the dedicated BBC Series featuring Natalie Cassidy Caring Together.
It was a privilege for Noelle Mc Alinden to respond & highlight the importance of carers in our society.The unsung heroes & acknowledge the importance of this sensitively crafted and produced series by Big Mountain Productions, 8 episodes featuring Natalie Cassidy as she returns to college & meets so many incredible people invested in caring for loved ones & those most vulnerable.
'As Co Chair of the We have seen first hand and personally the power of compassion,empathy & connection in action.It's extremely humbling & a privilege.
We have the privilege of featuring in the last of the eight episodes collaborating with Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway,where we join in the rehearsals for a very special performance at Stormont, Parliament Buildings.
You can listen to the interview here.We cannot take our carers for granted.Each of us will experience caring for those we love or are vulnerable or will be cared for during challenging times.
This series highlights the need for compassion & self compassion.
We had an excellent opportunity to meet with & rehearse with Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led Clare Galway
An absolute pleasure to participate in such a joyful event, highlight the power of communal singing on well being.
Huge thanks for the opportunity from all involved.Priceless.

The day's news agenda, including regular news, travel and sport updates.

25/05/2026

NI Mental Health Arts Festival we are excited to feature with Rock Choir Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway on BBC with Natalie Cassidy celebrating the power of creativity,self expression & the arts upon our well being.Highlighting the power of communal singing on our Mental Health.Filmed by Mountain Productions for BBC
Heartfelt thanks to all for this very moving & inspiring opportunity.

𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗕𝗖 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗱𝘆: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿!

Rock Choir are excited to announce that we will feature in the brand-new series 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗱𝘆: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, a moving and inspiring programme exploring the power of community, connection and support across the UK ❤️

More than 70 Rock Choir Members from across Northern Ireland and charity volunteers gathered in the grand entrance hall at Stormont to perform Mountain by , chosen for its uplifting message of resilience, encouragement and hope.

Natalie Cassidy later spoke with Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway and Noelle Mc Alinden from NI Mental Health Arts Festival about the positive impact music and creativity can have on mental health and wellbeing within local communities.

Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together will be broadcast on BBC One at 1.30pm and 7pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May. Episodes 1–4 will also be available on BBC iPlayer that morning, with Episodes 5–8 available from Monday 1 June.

𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲, 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟴.

Caroline Redman Lusher Big Mountain Productions Natalie Cassidy’s Life with Nat Podcast

24/05/2026

NI Mental Health Arts Festival were thrilled to join Rock Choir Northern Ireland • Choirs led by Clare Galway & meet Cassidy from Eastenders,for a unique performance, filmed at Stormont Parliament Building by Silver Mountain Productions Ltd.
Highlighting the power of communal singing upon Mental health & wellbeing. Due to be screened soon over coming weeks.

24/05/2026

Heartfelt congratulations Helen Merrigan Colfer on your unique response to the Earhart Art Prize.A stunning response capturing the spirit & essence of Amelia Earhart.An award championing Female Artists.
Huge congratulations to all the talented artists shortlisted.
Delighted to see the vision of Ollie Green & Studio 2 in partnership with city of Derry Airport, Eglinton realised in this exceptional bursary investing in the talent & skills of female artists.Looking forward to seeing this unique sculpture exhibited at The City of Derry Airport in the Earhart Lounge.
Proud as always to join Tommy Long Art & Joe Campbell as members of the judging panel & curators of this unique opportunity since this prize established over the years, celebrating Amelia Earhart.Which continues to go from strength to strength. Amelia Earhart defied gravity,broke all boundaries, Helen your work epitomises that.Huge congratulations to you and to all involved A wonderful showcase & celebration.Delighted to witness.I look forward to the day the City has a Gallery that celebrates Visual Arts & a city that continues to champion Amelia Earhart & all the cultural & creative champions of such a unique city.
Congratulations to Amelia Derry Earhart for all the exceptional work they do in promoting this unique woman and this city 💖🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊

24/05/2026

A pleasure to host the Art of Conversation with Noelle Mc Alinden featuring Colin McGookin awardwinning & internationally renowned Royal Ulster Academy of arts,surrounded by his monumental exhibition The Expulsion from Paradise Millennium Court.
Heartfelt thanks go all who attended.
The exhibition continues until June 30th.