New event aims to show why taking pride in Kirkcaldy is good for your wellbeing
The benefits of taking pride in living in Kirkcaldy are set to be explored at an event next week.
A team from the University of Dundee’s campus at Forth Avenue in the town are hosting the community event which is open to all.
Let’s Talk About…Celebrating our Community, takes place at the campus on Wednesday, April, 29 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
It comes at a time when there is huge debate about how Kirkcaldy can get the most from its £20m UK Government Growth Mission Fund to transform the town centre, the second LAng Toun Fest returns this summer, and a host of groups stage events across the town.
Staff at the university believe that celebrating the best of Kirkcaldy can help to transform residents’ perceptions of the town
Paul Smith, a lecturer in mental health, said, “A happy home is something we all seek, but that extends beyond the walls that we inhabit.
“Our sense of home is tied to our community - the people and places that we engage with daily. All of this is hugely important for our wellbeing.
“Kirkcaldy, like many other towns throughout the country, has undergone significant change in recent decades. This has undeniably resulted in a disconnect from the Kirkcaldy some people remember and the town they aspire to live in today.”
The campus has already hosted open talks on male suicide, following a spate of tragedies in the town last year, and an evening evening of workshops aimed at providing support and advice around menopause.
Its event on civic pride is set to take on a different, more informal format, and will feature contributions from Greener Kirkcaldy, Sam-H, Andy’s Man’s Club, and there will be a free clothes and book swap tables.
Siuzanne Bell, who is part of the organising team, said: “It has been really good for the staff and students to have such positive community engagement. It makes a real difference.
“The feedback from our previous events gave us the boost to do more. This isn’t just a talk - a number of groups will be coming along to share their experiences of working in the community, and we can have a discussion on how we can help shape the future.”
The “We need to talk about…” series aims to address some of the stigma relating to common mental and physical health issues affecting the local community.
Next week’s event aims to tap into the positives of life in the Lang Toun.
Mr Smith added: “we live in uncertain times, where global events may jade us and impact on our wellbeing. That makes it even more important to be happy in our homeplace. What is evident, both anecdotally and online, is that the people of Kirkcaldy are passionate about the future of their town and. Everybody wants to see it thrive.
“This event will bring people together and tap into that sense of goodwill. This gives us an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about our community, the positives of living and working here, and collectively improve how we view our hometown, something which undoubtedly improves our mental health.”Free places can be booked via eventbrite.co.uk - search for ‘Let’s Talk About Kirkcaldy’