Where are we now? Mental health experiences past and present

Join us on Saturday 20 September 10:30am-3:00pm as we look at the impact of mental illness on people’s lives past and present. We’ll have guided tours of our exhibition at 11am and 1:30pm, free craft activities and visitors can get their hands on history with some unique and intriguing handling objects.

Also joining us will be Wakefield writer and cartoonist Darryl Cunningham. Darryl will be talking about his latest exhibition ‘Am I Abnormal?’, currently on display at the Mental Health Museum. Darryl’s exhibition draws on his own experiences, taking a compassionate look into the world of mental illness as well as celebrating how creativity and art helped him overcome his severe difficulties.

At 11:45am and 1:00pm we’ll have performances from 'All in Your Head’, a production created by participants of the Humanising Mental Health project, a partnership scheme by Yew Tree Arts, SPARK Youth Arts Ambassadors, and Empath Theatre CIC. This project compared contemporary experiences of mental health with stories from the past researched here at the Museum. ‘All in Your Head’ questions which voices are listened to when we talk about mental illness and how we can challenge the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

We’re free to visit and everyone is welcome. Call us on 01924 316360 or email [email protected] to book your visit.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

1030 to 1500 (see what's on for more details)

Location & directions

Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3SP

Directions:

From the entrance to Fieldhead Hospital on Ouchthorpe Lane turn right then follow the road up through the centre of the site. The Mental Health Museum is behind a large blue head sculpture near the entrance to the Wellbeing and Learning Centre. Carpark D is directly opposite the Museum. Parking is free, just ask a member of the Museum team for a code for the exit barrier before you leave.

Contact on day:

Sally

Telephone number:

+441924316360

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Call us on 01924 316360 or email [email protected] to book your visit.

Booking contact name:

Sally

Booking telephone number:

+441924316360

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

There are objects and themes in our exhibition that some visitors may find distressing; please contact us if you would like any more information about this. We also remind visitors that the Museum is situated on a working hospital site so please be respectful of people here at the Hospital.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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