Mindful May 2026
The Grampian Wellbeing Festival, an annual event held throughout May across the city, shire and Moray, was launched in 2016 and originally founded by Public Health Aberdeenshire. The festival was created to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing within communities, reduce stigma, and encourage people to take part in positive activities that support their mental wellbeing. It has also played an important role in connecting individuals with local services and community resources.
When the festival first began, conversations around mental health were far less open. Over time, it has helped to shift attitudes in a positive direction, with mental health now more widely discussed and understood across all walks of life. This public health initiative has brought communities together, normalised conversations about mental health, and made it easier for people to access local wellbeing opportunities.
Sadly, the shire isn’t taking part in this year’s festival. The Trust knows how much it has benefited our clients year after year, so in response, we are launching our MVT Mindful May. This initiative will offer a varied programme of activities designed to support both mental and physical wellbeing, with something to suit all ages.
Our aim of Mindful May:
Learning
New skills boost your confidence, gives you a sense of purpose and helps you connect with others.
Being Active
Can help to raise your self-esteem by setting and achieving goals and have a positive impact on mood.
Connections
Help to build a sense of belonging, allowing you to share experiences and support others.
Taking Notice
Of the present moment can improve your mental health and help you understand yourself and the world better.
What’s on
Thursday 7th May, 10:00–12:00 — Meeting Room 3/Studio Maud
Conversation Cafe – Sing-Along-Jingles with Isobel
Friday 8th May, 10:30–12:00 — Meeting Room 1
Intro to Acupuncture and Mindfulness with Eddie Coutts
Tuesday 12th May, 13:00–16:00 — Meeting Room 3/Studio
Asthma & Allergy Foundation: Pam dropping in to Gentle-ish Gym, Boccia & Lego
Wednesday 13th May, 13:00–14:00 — Meeting Room 1
Vase Floral Arrangement Demo with Lorna from Floral Request
Thursday 14th May, 11:00–12:00 — Meeting Room 3/Studio
Seated & Standing Tai Chi Taster* with Dr Phil Neville
Friday 15th May, 12:00–12:45 — Meeting Room 3/Studio
Musical Seedlings for Toddlers with Kirsty
Monday 18th May, 13:00–13:45 — Meeting Room 3/Studio
Floor Based Pilates Taster* with Jules Wyse
Tuesday 19th May, 13:00–15:00 — Forbes Court, New Pitsligo
New Pitsligo Conversation Cafe with Iain Matthew's Tie Collection
Wednesday 20th May, 13:00–16:00 — Maud Pavilion at the Park
Games Afternoon with Kathleen Reid: Snooker, Table Tennis, Croquet…
Friday 22nd May, 10:30–12:30 — Meeting Room 1/Kitchen
Cooking Workshop (Soup & Cheese Scone) with Annette from Old Mart Cafe
Friday 29th May, 12:00–13:00 — Meeting Room 3/Studio
Boccia Taster Session* (similar to bowls)
All the MVT Mindful May events are free but the events marked with an asterisk are open and free to new attendees only.
For more information on this, please contact us.
Venue (unless otherwise stated): Maud Resource Centre, Deer Road, Maud, AB42 4EG.
Seated and Standing Tai Chi
We are delighted to announce that Dr Phillip Neville will be returning in the Summer with his gentle Tai Chi routine, that can be practiced seated or standing and is suitable for all abilities.
Sewing with Sandra
Launches at the start of June and these free sessions are suitable for novices, crafters or complete beginners as Sandra is a trained seamstress and a very patient tutor. Some will already know Sandra from our Boccia sessions.
How to attend
To register for any of the coming soon sessions:
Email: jacqui.gray@maudvillagetrust.co.uk
Tel: 01771 613962
Reception:speak to any of the receptionists and ask to be added to the lists