Plan Your Foundation

Define your event's specific focus within mental health awareness—whether emphasising personal recovery stories, creative expression, or community support.

Research local mental health services and establish partnerships with counsellors or support organisations who can provide backup during events. Secure a welcoming venue like a community centre, café, or library that offers good acoustics and flexible seating.

Set your regular schedule (monthly or bi-monthly works well) and determine event duration—typically 2-3 hours allows for meaningful participation without overwhelming attendees.

Gather Equipment and Materials

Arrange essential audio equipment including microphone, amplifier, and speakers suitable for your venue size. Create sign-up sheets for participants and prepare mental health resource packets with local crisis hotlines, support group information, and self-care tips.

Develop simple promotional materials highlighting the supportive, judgment-free environment you're creating. Prepare a basic first aid kit and ensure you have current crisis intervention contact information readily available during events.

Promote and Prepare

Launch promotion through social media, community boards, local mental health organisations, and word-of-mouth, emphasising the safe and supportive nature of your event. Create clear messaging about what participants can expect and the respectful environment you'll maintain.

Develop your opening script including ground rules: confidential sharing, respectful listening, no recording without permission, and information about stepping out if overwhelmed. Prepare backup activities or prompts in case participation is slow initially.

Create Your Safe Space

Arrange seating in an intimate semi-circle or similar configuration that encourages connection. Use soft lighting, perhaps candles (where safe), to create a calming atmosphere. Designate a quiet "cool-down" area where people can step away if feeling overwhelmed.

Set up your resource table with mental health information and contact cards. Begin each event by clearly stating ground rules, acknowledging the courage it takes to share, and reminding everyone that participation is completely voluntary.

Facilitate and Follow-Up

Guide the evening with warmth and respect, giving each participant approximately 5 minutes to share their creative piece. Be prepared to offer gentle encouragement if someone becomes emotional, and maintain the supportive atmosphere throughout.

Close each event by thanking participants, highlighting the strength shown in sharing, and providing information about upcoming events or local support resources.

Follow up with participants who expressed interest in ongoing connection, and continually gather feedback to improve future events while maintaining the core mission of reminding everyone they're not alone.