See Me to host second spoken word and open mic night

Posted by See Me, 2 August 2024

Join us for a relaxed and informal night of performances themed around mental health. 

We know that the arts and creative expression can offer a powerful platform for people to share their experiences and share what the reality is for people living with mental health problems. 

Which is why last year, we held our first spoken word and open mic night in Glasgow, where our volunteers and members of the local community performed for a small audience.  

Speakin’ Oor Mind was created as part of the 2023 Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF). Our volunteers proposed the event to showcase their creative talents and open the mic to the audience. 

This year, we hope to create the same supportive and safe environment for members of the public to come along to listen to the performances, take part if they’d like to and connect with others in their community.   

Debbie Sangster, lived experience participation officer at See Me, said: “We’re really excited to host our second spoken word and open mic night here in Glasgow. 

“Last year, we developed the idea for the event to bring people together and connect through the art of poetry and spoken word in an intimate and cosy space. 

“Three of our volunteers performed their own creative work and then we opened up the floor for audience members to take part in an open mic session, which many people did.  

“The small audience was incredibly supportive of everyone who took to the mic, some for the very first time, and it was amazing to hear the beautiful poetry, readings and song lyrics shared by others, all woven together with anecdotes of people’s own experiences of mental illness and their own journeys of healing and recovery.  

“The vulnerability shown by the performers when sharing so openly through self-expression, helped to create a feeling of safety and shared experience amongst everyone who attended the event and the end result was a magical atmosphere full of applause, encouragement and understanding.  

“We hope to create the same safe space this time around and encourage anyone who is interested in sharing their experiences in a creative way, or coming along to see others perform, to join us and see for themselves how powerful and impactful it can be to connect with others through our words, creative expression and community.” 

“If you’re thinking about joining us, know that it’s a friendly and supportive environment and there’s absolutely no pressure to perform if you’d prefer to sit back and listen to others.  

“We hope that by creating an informal and relaxed format people feel encouraged to share as much or as little as they’d like, and See Me staff will be on hand on the night to provide reassurance, support and a huge round of applause!” 

Join us on Tuesday 20 August from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at The Glad Cafe in Glasgow. 

The event is free, and no ticket is required. 

If you have any questions, or would like to make us aware of any accessibility or mobility requirements contact us at volunteer@seemescotland.org.