Suicide Awareness Let's Talk Festival returns to Victoria Park with stalls, live music, talks and activities to tackle mental health stigma.
SALT Festival returns to Victoria Park on Saturday 5 September, from 10:00 to 16:00. It's a free, family-friendly wellbeing day that's now in its fourth year, and the full name tells you exactly what it's about: Suicide Awareness Let's Talk. The day brings together stalls, live music, talks and activities, with a good mix of music, movement, creativity and vital support services on hand. It's built on the idea that no one should have to feel alone, and it's kept free of charge for the community.
There's a personal story behind it, too. Sarah Mitas set it up in memory of her father, Richard Dobson, who took his own life when she was a child; she wanted his name to mean something and to help break the taboo around suicide and mental health. The recent loss of her friend Lara helped turn that dream into a reality in 2023, when the pair also launched the Portsmouth Baton of Hope to promote suicide awareness. The festival runs alongside Make at Aldingbourne, a safe space in Fratton, and proceeds from the day go to The Aldingbourne Trust.
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If you're heading down, it's at Victoria Park (3 Stanhope Road, PO1 3HJ) on Saturday 5 September, 10:00 to 16:00, and it's free to attend.
