Does Mental Illness Really Exist?

In this controversial talk Theo will argue for creative approaches to mental distress and that the mental health system needs an entirely new focus.There will be plenty of time for lively discussion over sharing platters of healthy food specially prepared by Dena Smiles, who will give a brief introduction to the importance of gut health for mental well-being.

This event is part of Mental Health Awareness Week and THiNK 'Food for Thought' series.

Dr Theo Stickley (Associate Professor of Mental Health at the University of Nottingham)

Theo has worked at the University of Nottingham for 18 years. Prior to becoming an academic, he trained in mental health nursing and counselling. He has edited five books, written 15 book chapters and published over 100 journal articles. In recent years, his research has exclusively focused upon the methods and practices of how the arts are used to promote mental health. He is a qualitative researcher and this often involves narrative interviews in order to elicit people’s stories of involvement in arts practices. In partnership with City Arts, Nottingham, he set up an Arts on Prescription service in Nottingham that ran for 10 years. His research on these programmes feature widely in the recently published All Party Parliamentary Group report: “Creative Health”. Theo is also a practising artist.

Dena Smiles

Dena is an award-winning vegan cook and a leading ambassador and producer of highest quality gut healing probiotic fermented foods & drinks. She is part of the Praxis Collective who organise free THRIVE fundraiser events & skill shares to connect and empower people to meet & make positive changes for the better, together.