The Arthur Ellis Summer Festival returned to Milton Keynes last month, once again bringing the community together to celebrate wellbeing, mental health and connection.
Held on Sunday, August 24 at Great Linford Manor Park, the free, family-friendly event offered a full day of activities designed around the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Move, Focus, Discover, Communicate and Help. Visitors of all ages were able to take part in a diverse programme of activities, from physical activity sessions and mindfulness workshops to creative pursuits, conversations and opportunities to connect with local support services.
The event was hosted by Arthur Ellis Mental Health Support, the Milton Keynes-based charity recently recognised as Charity of the Year at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards. With demand for mental health support continuing to rise, the event forms a key part of the organisation’s commitment to making support visible, accessible and community driven.
The festival was made possible thanks to the generous backing of sponsors and partners including John Lewis, Brioche Pasquier, TXM Group and Milton Keynes Community Foundation, along with the contributions of local vendors, volunteers and activity leaders.
Jon Manning, Founder and Chief Fundraising Officer said: “Our goal with the Summer Festival is to create an inclusive and positive space for people to explore what wellbeing means to them. By bringing together partners, local organisations and the wider community, we’re able to showcase the many simple but powerful ways people can support their mental health in everyday life.”
A new challenge
For those who fancy a challenging event while raising important funds for Arthur Ellis Mental Health Support at the same time, Howes Percival is inviting individuals along with up to a maximum of nine colleagues, to take part in The Parks Trust 25 Mile Challenge on Friday September 12. The event is a stunning yet enduring walk through the beautiful parklands, woodlands and fields of Milton Keynes.
Howes Percival is keen to take action in helping Arthur Ellis build a lasting service which bridges the gap in public mental health care and want walkers to take a step forward in making a difference in the local community.
Walkers are welcome to complete the entire distance in the 25 Mile Challenge, but if the full distance is a step too far, they are more than welcome to walk a part of the route.
Charter support
The Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter is a movement for adopting more neurodiversity affirming practices. By working together, groups and organisations commit to contributing to the sustainable impact of The MK Umbrella Project and to a legacy for a more inclusive Milton Keynes. Arthur Ellis Mental Health Support will continue to support communities across Milton Keynes, and beyond, as well as sustaining fair and inclusive practices for those accessing its services.
The Milton Keynes Neurodiversity Charter aims to Educate, Advocate and Celebrate:
- Educate – strengthen the knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity by continually learning and developing.
- Advocate – champion neurodiversity to help Milton Keynes become a neuro-inclusive city to live, work, and play.
- Celebrate – celebrating neurodiversity by positively elevating neurodivergent perspectives.
The charity has mentors trained in helping neurodivergent individuals, as well as those with these conditions themselves.
Find out more about Arthur Ellis Mental Health Support via email to hello@arthurellismhs.com or visit our website here.
