Hundreds of Dudley pupils enjoy wellbeing #MEFestival at Himley Hall

More than 400 Year 5 and 6 pupils from 16 schools across the Dudley borough were welcomed to a vibrant and immersive day of creativity, confidence building and wellbeing at #MEFestival 2026.

Hosted by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Dudley Group NHS Charity #MEFestival 2026 took place at Himley Hall on Thursday 11 June 2026.

Despite the torrential rain and unseasonably cold weather, pupil’s brought smiles and enthusiasm and energy to the festival, with a packed programme of workshops designed to boost confidence, resilience and wellbeing. The festival centred on celebrating the Five Ways to Wellbeing: To Give, Keep Learning, Be Active, Take Notice and Connect.

Workshops included BEFAST Stroke Awareness sessions delivered by Dudley Stroke Association, Forest School and Nature Connection activities with The Fine Collective, mindfulness and emotional regulation workshops from TAOD, creative neon badge and keyring making with Bedazzled, teamwork challenges from Challenge Academy CIC and mask theatre workshops with Vamos Theatre.

Children also took part in charity fundraising challenges led by Dudley Group NHS Charity, wellbeing pledge activities with Healthwatch Dudley and Dudley Young Health Champions, Create and Calm sessions hosted by Dudley School Nurses, music and boxercise activities delivered by Dudley Council Youth Workers, cricket sessions from Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, Bhangra Beats workshops with the Ethnic Minority Council and interactive podcasting and Digital Graffiti Wall activities provided by KIC FM Radio.

A vibrant marketplace of stallholders complemented the programme, with organisations including Mary Stevens Hospice, Home Instead Dudley, Beacon Centre for the Blind, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Research and Development Team, Reflexions MHST, DB Leisure, CoLab Dudley, White Watch Dudley Fire Station, Active Black Country, We Love Carers and clinical teams from The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust engaging pupils in health, wellbeing and community-focused activities.

Feedback from schools was overwhelmingly positive; Helen Tomlinson, Head teacher at Red Hall Primary School said, “The children were unanimous in their voice of how much they loved the day, book us up for next year!!” Even the Deputy Mayor and consort attended the festival and joined in with activities with pupils and staff delighted to see them.

The festival demonstrated the power of partnership working across Dudley, bringing together education, health and community organisations to support young people's mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. By blending creativity, health education and active learning, the event empowered pupils to build confidence, develop new skills and discover their potential.

Sir David Nicholson, Chair of the Board of Directors, said:

"The #MEFestival demonstrated the very best of partnership working across Dudley. Seeing more than 400 pupils from 16 schools come together to learn, create, be active and focus on their wellbeing was truly inspiring. By bringing together education, healthcare, charities and community organisations, we created opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop resilience and recognise the support available to them within their communities. The enthusiasm shown by the pupils throughout the day was remarkable and gives us great confidence in the future of our borough."

Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

"We were delighted to bring the #MEFestival back for 2026 and thrilled that our Trust charity funded the day. The event showcased what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose. It gave children the opportunity to build resilience, explore new skills and celebrate their strengths in a supportive and inspiring environment. We are incredibly grateful to all our partners, volunteers and schools who helped make the festival such a success."