Being Well, Doing Well

The BIG Family Event

On Saturday 9 November, come to Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth between 9.30am and 3pm for a free family day out. Through interactive and engaging activities, where young people and parents and carers can come together, we will be looking at the different aspects that can impact on a family’s wellbeing whether that be a positive or negative impact. And once the event has finished families also have the opportunity to explore Dynamic Earth itself!

Ministerial Address

We're delighted that Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd is able to join us at the event to meet with families and deliver a short talk. Ms Todd is a Scottish National Party politician who has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross since May 2021. She was previously an MSP for the Highlands and Islands from the election in May 2016. As Minister responsible for the country's mental health, Ms Todd is best placed to share the government's views on the importance of family relationships in boosting the wellbeing of our families.

Maree Todd

Scottish Government

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport

Welcome

Ewan is CEO of Cyrenians, a charity tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. A former Convener of Education and Leader of Edinburgh City Council and CoSLA spokesperson on Education, Ewan has over 30 years’ experience in the Public and third sectors. He founded the National Prison Visitor Centre Steering group, The Ripple, and two Credit Unions. Ewan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Chair of SHAPE, the Edinburgh collaborative of homelessness organisations, a Council member of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, a Board member of The Ripple and a member of the Scottish Government’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans Delivery Group.

Ewan Aitken

Cyrenians

CEO

Marketplace

Ask the experts

In our marketplace you’ll find stalls run by people from many organisations dedicated to helping families find their happy place together. Come along, have a chat with the stall-holders, and leave with great tips and resources (and, no doubt, free pens and badges). A full list of organisations will follow soon.

Marketplace

Carers Trust Scotland, Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland, Families Outside, Parent Club, Parenting Across Scotland, Children1st and more

What's happening during the day?

To chill or not to chill - you decide

If the day starts to feel overwhelming, you want to get your head together, or you just want to take a break, around the room you will find a number of zones set aside for you. These spaces include:

  • The Quiet Zone: coming to a big event with lots of people can get overwhelming at times. So if you need a bit of peace and quiet you can spend some time in here.
  • The Play Zone: for small and big kids alike we’ve got you covered with games, toys and books to enjoy throughout the day.
  • Creative Zone: want to create a masterpiece - or a mess-terpiece? Either is cool! Here you can create something as a family to take away with you at the end of the day.
  • The Chill Zone: everyone needs some relaxation and here you can take five and breath!

Activity Zones

Quiet Zone, Play Zone, Creative Zone, Chill Zone

Workshops

Come for the fun, stay for learning

In the morning and afternoon, there will be an opportunity to try out workshops where families can pick up tips on how to strengthen their emotional health and so protect their family relationships - plus the chance to learn as a family. The workshops include:

Workshop Spaces

Morning and afternoon workshops

Being able to make time to be still, to experience awe, to be curious about mystery and wisdom from different places and lives and to know I am loved and others are willing to accept my love for them

Ewan Aitken, Cyrenians CEO, on 'What Family Means to Me'

We want to ensure that every child and young person has the right support, in the right place, at the right time to look after and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Much of the support and services in this area is delivered through the third sector, and I know that the work Cyrenians have done to improve our children, young people and families’ mental health and wellbeing is invaluable.

Maree Todd on The Big Family Event

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