January can be a particularly difficult time for many people, especially for those experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, bereavement or financial pressures. Trauma Healing Together identified a need for:
A free, accessible and community-focused wellbeing event
Practical and meaningful tools for mental and emotional health
Creative and therapeutic experiences that appeal to all age groups
A safe, stigma-free space where people can connect
Opportunities to meet and learn from local support organisations
A theme that reflects real, authentic self-care rather than clichés
The festival has been designed to meet these needs and offer the community a positive start to the year.
With funding from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, the festival will deliver:
Creative & Therapeutic Activities
Upcycling workshops
Nature-inspired creative sessions
Bracelet-making, hair braiding and craft activities
Silent disco and movement sessions
Activities supporting grief and emotional wellbeing
Animal-Assisted Wellbeing
Visitors will have the opportunity to spend calming moments with friendly animals such as chinchillas and tortoises — offering comfort, joy and grounding therapeutic benefits.
Workshops & Practical Tools
18 interactive workshops (nine each day)
Sessions focused on emotional resilience, empowerment, stress management, and day-to-day wellbeing
Access to Community Support
20 partner organisations will attend, providing:
Mental health support
Bereavement services
Community activities
Menopause support
Family and children’s services
Energy advice
LGBTQ+ support
Volunteering opportunities
Local wellbeing and community initiatives
Together, they will offer practical resources and guidance, much of which is free or low-cost.
The festival is set to offer significant benefits for the community by:
Providing a safe and welcoming space during a challenging time of year
Offering accessible, practical tools people can use long after the event
Reducing isolation and encouraging connection
Promoting creativity, movement and emotional expression
Strengthening awareness of local support services
Empowering individuals to take meaningful steps toward improved wellbeing
A Message from Trauma Healing Together
Roxanne Kerr, CEO of Trauma Healing Together, shared:
“The New Year can be difficult, but it’s also an opportunity to take small steps toward better wellbeing. Self Care Beyond the Buzzword is about meaningful action — finding what truly supports us. The festival will provide an inclusive space to take a break, connect with others and access tailored support across Perth and Kinross.”
The Future
With the feasibility study now completed and the grant spent, Robert has taken time to reflect on is findings and is now preparing for the next stage: real-life testing. “I’m now looking to collaborate with the Gait Lab at the University of Dundee, or another lab in Scotland, to begin a case study using the consumer-grade technology we’ve identified as most suitable. We’ll compare it against existing Gait Lab systems to evaluate performance and usability.” Looking ahead, Robert’s vision is clear: to create a scalable, cost-effective, and clinically valuable tool that brings gait and movement analysis closer to patients, wherever they are.
