GREENFIELD — Members of the mental health clubhouse programs in Greenfield and Orange will be the featured artists in an upcoming Mental Health and Wellness Fair.
The annual event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18 in the Greenfield Energy Park, at the bottom of Miles Street.
The fair, in its 14th year, is to be an afternoon of music, singing, poetry, and testimonials by members to highlight mental health illness, wellness and recovery.
Mental health support agency Clinical and Support Options sponsors the two clubhouse programs in the county.
Quabbin House and Green River House are two in a statewide network of clubhouses offering support and a meeting place for people with mental illnesses. The idea began as a way to fight the social isolation faced by those with serious mental illness.
The fair started in 2002 in an effort to bring awareness and information to the community about mental health illness and recovery. Organizers aim to dispel the stigma around mental health illness, to encourage people in seeking support and to point out those agencies that are available to assist.
“Mental Health Matters” will be the theme this year, chosen by members.
Local mental health and wellness providers are invited to register for a table, free, to present their materials and programming by calling the Green River House at 413-772-2181.
The event is free to attend. A food vendor and tents should be on hand, the latter in case of rain or excessive sun. The event is to proceed rain or shine.