University hosts Festival of Social Science
The University of Birmingham is hosting an ambitious programme of free interactive events supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Experts from the University of Birmingham will be unpicking media representations of mental health as part of this year’s Festival of Social Science.
The event takes place from 21 October to 17 November 2023.
This year’s festival focuses on ‘lifelong wellbeing’, exploring mental and physical health at all ages, as well as celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
The festival’s flagship event ‘A Bit OCD’ – How we talk about youth mental health and neurodivergence’, will explore how the media represents young people and those with mental health conditions.
Through a series of panel discussions, academics at the University of Birmingham, the University of Warwick, students, and mental health activists will consider the impact of media representations on public perception.
Other events running as part of the University of Birmingham’s diverse programme include discussions around the importance of forging connections, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien; caregiving and care receiving; the power of community and wellbeing in crime prevention; autism in different cultures; and strengthening youth voice on mental health policy.
There are also opportunities to try woodcarving, creating a fundraising poster for the future NHS, and explore nature through eco-art activities.
The festival is part of the nationwide ESRC Festival of Social Science which highlights how pioneering social, economic and political research impacts everyday life.
