Festival of Human Connection III

On 9th May 2025, Bernadette McAuley, Community Mental Health Development Lead for Devon Mental Health Alliance – (Shekinah) and David Thorne, Devon Partnership Trust co-hosted the 3rd Festival of Human Connection.

The festival’s theme is shaped by insights from previous attendees and our ongoing work, helping us identify pressing needs within our communities.

This year, the festival focused on the relationship between food and mental health—exploring how food can contribute to or alleviate emotional distress, and how mental health challenges can impact our relationship with food, including through eating disorders, disordered eating, and food poverty.

In keeping with the spirit of genuine human connection, we intentionally avoided lanyards and PowerPoint presentations. This helped dissolve barriers, reduce hierarchical dynamics, and foster open, human-to-human interaction.

Attendees came from diverse backgrounds—some working in services, some using them, and many with experience of both. What united us was a shared commitment to understanding, supporting, and improving mental health—both personally and collectively.

Presentations were multidisciplinary and interactive, incorporating art, movement, and open dialogue to share experiences and knowledge in meaningful, engaging ways.