As part of this year's Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival (NIMHAF), Noelle McAlinden – High Sheriff for Fermanagh, artist and arts advocate – hosted a special edition of her show, 'The Art of Conversation with Noelle McAlinden', where she spoke to the multi-talented performer, artist, singer-songwriter and human rights activist, Bronagh Gallagher.

This year’s festival is now no, having kicked off last Thursday, May 11, and running until Sunday, May 21 (to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week) with a programme of varied, vivid arts events that aim to create a platform for high-quality artwork that deals compassionately and intelligently with mental health.

The festival is taking place both virtually and in locations across Northern Ireland.

In the special NIMHAF commissioned edition of her show, Noelle speaks to Bronagh about creativity, self-expression and mental health and well-being.

They explore the importance of challenging the stigma associated with talking about their mental health, and the importance of being self-compassionate and compassionate for those who are feeling vulnerable.

The show is currently available to watch on the NIMHAF YouTube channel via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QJamjXlxAE.

Speaking following the recording, Noelle said: "Our mental health and well-being is precious –and so is yours.

"Heartfelt gratitude to Bronagh Gallagher, our Patron for this year's NI Mental Health Arts Festival, as she joins me in The Art of Conversation with Noelle McAlinden, a series of authentic conversations with fellow artists and friends reflecting upon the importance of our creativity, self-expression, mental health and well-being.

"My thanks to Pearse Moore and Conall Melarkey at The Nerve Centre for recording this and The Playhouse for hosting us."