#danSOUP May 2021

Have you got an idea for using arts or creative activities to enhance mental health or tackle specific mental health issues in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire? Anyone can apply to pitch as long as you are based in one of the counties. We particularly encourage individuals who haven't previously had funding or the experience of applying for funding. For the May 2021 event we are also encouraging ideas that help with the challenges of Covid 19. We can give you guidance on the sort of projects that have been successful but remember it is the audience that decides the eventual winner. Have a look at the previous winners below.

Guidance for people applying to pitch

Application Form

If you are successful in your application your pitch must be 4 minutes long (we keep time very strictly) and without use of technology such as slides or films or props that have words on them. You can however use other props and decorate your zoom window however you like. After your pitch you will be asked questions by the panel and the audience also get an opportunity to ask questions. No doubt about it - it is nerve-wracking but great fun too. And remember even if you don't win, your project idea gets heard by the audience and surprising and wonderful things have happened for those that didn't win too!

Karen Clegg is a professional Graphic Designer, artist and musician. She is currently the chair of Lubrizol's Charity and Community Committee which has proudly supported our #soup events for the last few years with a £250 donation.

Lou Rudkin is Head of Communications for the Institute of Mental Health at the University of Nottingham. Her work varies from promoting the latest mental health research to creating new community projects and helping the general public to get involved in research.
Dr Theo Stickley initially trained as a mental health nurse and a psychotherapeutic counsellor. He taught at the University of Nottingham for twenty years before retiring in 2019. His research focused on arts and mental health and he is a renowned speaker and writer on the subject. He also led on local projects including Arts on Prescription (with City Arts, 2004-14), East Midlands Arts & Health.

We are extremely grateful for the people who help make our SOUP events happen including the staff community committee at Derby-based company, Lubrizol, the Institute of Mental Health, the artist-founder of the Hard Heads and Hang Ups Fund, Kelly Ann Holmes, Elisia Denton who initiated the first Notts Soup and our expert guides and panel members, Lubrizol employee and artist-musician Karen Clegg and Dr. Theo Stickley, Associate Prof in Arts and Mental Health at University of Nottingham.