First Fortnight, Ireland’s Mental Health Arts Festival, is almost over but there is still time to catch some great stuff before it ends on Saturday. I think First Fortnight is a fantastic festival and a great reason to venture out on a dark January evening to see some art! In terms of theatre, Dolls at the Project Arts Centre looks at the place of women in society and how they treated by the media. On the flip side, another show from last year’s Fringe Festival, Confusion Boats explores modern masculinity. And one of my favourite shows from the last few years The Year of Magical Wanking is on in Project Arts Centre. Written and performed by Neil Watkins it is a moving and very personal piece of theatre.

You could also catch Happy Clouds in Temple Bar tomorrow afternoon or The Big Gig in the Button Factory tomorrow night. This year First Fortnight is moving outside Dublin with screenings of Silver Linings Playbook in Waterford, Portlaoise, Bray and Newbridge over the next few days.

So go out and see something and support this wonderful festival that is run entirely by volunteers, and help to challenge mental health prejudices! And most importantly, look after your mental health and if you need someone to talk to you, you don’t have to be suicidal to call the Samaritans on 1890 200 091. As it says on their website – “If there’s something troubling you, then get in touch.”