October is Mental Health Month in Cascais. This initiative by the municipality aims to help the community rethink how we care for ourselves and each other. That’s why they’re already promoting free activities for everyone. This Friday, 4th of October, marks the anniversary of Consultas Sem Parede with a guided tour - followed by a discussion and social gathering - at the Condes Castro Guimarães Museum and the Marechal Carmona Park. If you’re running late, don’t worry: there are plenty of activities to cultivate wellbeing until the 31st.
“The goal is to eliminate the stigma surrounding this essential aspect of everyone’s life”, reads a statement on the Cascais City Council website, where you can also find the full programme of activities. This weekend, for instance, features a meditation session (Saturday, 5th of October, at 10:00 am) at the Forte de Santo António. No need to sign up or have any experience in the art of deep breathing - just join in on the practice.
Among the other offerings (52 in total), there are options for all tastes and ages, taking place in venues such as the Cascais Cultural Centre, the Museum of the Sea, the City of Professions, the Town Hall, the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, and various parks and schools. From workshops on “out-of-the-box therapies” to film cycles, walks, talks, and surf lessons, the hardest part will be choosing.
To wrap things up in style, a Crazy Night is set for 31st October, from 18:00 to 22:00, at the Mercado da Vila. The closing show for Mental Health Month will feature live music and “various initiatives for all ages”.