Headfest attendees were introduced to hope and how it can aid recovery and give people strength, courtesy of REDS Recovery College.

Recovery College Lead Johnathan Crane and Recovery College Peer Trainer Violet Skinner led the session which explored what gives people hope and why.

Speaking afterwards, one of the audience members Louise Young said: “I had never really given hope much thought to be honest, but this session really made me think. I’ve come to the realisation that my friends give me hope and inspiration.”

Later that afternoon St Andrew’s Healthcare hosted a mental health panel, which saw psychotherapist Liz Ritchie and Essential Skills Facilitator Estelle Randle return to the event. They were joined by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Inga Stewart.

The trio discussed the benefits of therapy and discussed the differences between each approach. Estelle also shared her own experiences of therapy and how it had helped her overcome her mental health battles.

Members of the audience were also keen to find out more with some audience members asking where they can go to get the help they need.

After the panel Liz said: “It’s been such an enjoyable and worthwhile week. It’s been an honour to be part of Headfest and I hope this will become a regular event that St Andrew’s supports every year.”

Around 500 people attended sessions across the week which was held at the Royal & Derngate in partnership with BBC Northampton and Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust.