Healthwatch Essex is proud to host a Armed Forces Community: Mental Health & Comedy Event at Colchester Arts Centre on Monday 10 August, from 6pm to 9pm.
This free community event has been co-produced with members of the Armed Forces Community to create a welcoming and informal space for conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The event aims to promote positive mental wellbeing, encourage open conversations, and help members of the Armed Forces Community access support when they need it.
Whether you are looking for support, seeking information, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in connecting with others from the Armed Forces Community, you are welcome to attend. Designed to challenge stigma and improve awareness of available support, the evening will bring together veterans, service leavers, reservists, serving personnel, families, carers, and the wider community.
The event will begin with a series of inspiring talks from guest speakers who will share their lived experiences of military life and mental health. Their stories will highlight the importance of seeking support, building resilience, and breaking down barriers to discussing mental wellbeing. This will be followed by a short panel discussion with opportunities for questions from the audience.
A range of military charities and support organisations will be available throughout the evening, offering information, advice, and guidance. An informal hour of networking from 6pm to 7pm will provide attendees with the chance to learn more about local services, ask questions, and explore the support available across Essex.
Support will cover a broad range of topics, including mental and physical health, transition and resettlement, employment, housing, finances, rehabilitation and recovery, and support for families and carers.
Following the speaker sessions, attendees can enjoy a comedy set from two top professional comedians, Ben Norris (as seen on Mock the Week) & Nick Page (as seen on Britain’s Got Talent). The performance will provide an opportunity to relax, connect with others, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Essex’s most iconic venues.
Set within the stunning historic surroundings of St Mary’s Church, Colchester Arts Centre combines over a thousand years of history with a reputation for showcasing some of the UK’s most exciting comedians, musicians, and performers.
This event is being delivered in partnership with the Thrive Together Programme and Veterans Voice in the East of England, hosted by The Bridge for Heroes and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Bringing together a regional network of partners, the Thrive Together Programme aims to empower veterans and their families, strengthen connections, and support the development of sustainable services for the Armed Forces Community.
The evening will provide opportunities to meet others from the Armed Forces Community, share experiences, and build valuable connections with peers and support organisations. Attendees can participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable. We recognise that conversations around mental health and personal experiences can be sensitive and have designed the event to provide a safe and respectful environment where people can listen, learn, connect, and access support.
A private breakout space will be available throughout the evening. This quiet space can be used by anyone who would like to take some time away from the event, gather their thoughts, or speak privately with a member of the event team or a support organisation.
This event forms part of a wider programme of work led by Healthwatch Essex to support the Armed Forces Community. This includes our mobile awareness stands, which provide information and signposting to military charities and support services, alongside our Armed Forces Community Working Group (AFC WG) and Armed Forces Community Primary Care Network (AFC PCN), which promote collaboration, share learning, and help improve services for the Armed Forces Community.
Attendance is free, but booking in advance is highly recommended. You can book your tickets here. The venue is fully accessible and anyone wishing to discuss specific accessibility requirements is encouraged to contact Healthwatch Essex in advance.
For more information about the event, please contact [email protected].
Whether you are looking for support, information, connection, or simply an enjoyable evening, we invite you to join us for this important event.
