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X-WR-CALNAME:Festival of Ideas
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Festival of Ideas
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T153000
DTSTAMP:20260513T151422Z
CREATED:20260107T070042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T151422Z
UID:10000645-1783002600-1783006200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Walking and Cycling to a Better Future?
DESCRIPTION:Cycling is well known as an essential part of sustainable transport planning. This public lecture from Peter Cox\, Emeritus Professor at the University of Chester and internationally acclaimed writer on cycling and sustainable travel\, will explore the implications of taking walking and cycling as the starting point of thinking about movement; not just including them in travel plans.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/walking-and-cycling-to-a-better-future/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peter-Cox-9781908258113.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T184500
DTSTAMP:20260612T121836Z
CREATED:20260601T160219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T121836Z
UID:10000755-1783013400-1783017900@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Mobile phones in schools: Necessary tool or toxic distraction?
DESCRIPTION:With research indicating that 90% of children own a mobile phone by their eleventh birthday\, but increasing concerns about their effect on mental health and online safety\, how do we find the right balance\, and how do we implement policies that are manageable for schools and supportive of both the education and wellbeing of children and young people?  With increasing pressure on schools to act\, what are the challenges they face and how might these be addressed? \nJoin us for a discussion about this crucial issue.  The University of Chester’s Vice-Chancellor\, Professor Eunice Simmons\, will welcome: campaigner and founder of The Brianna Ghey Legacy Project\, Esther Ghey; Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire\, Dan Price; and\, headteacher at Queen’s Park High School\, Tom Kearns\, to explore this topic and possible safeguards that could be implemented. \nMore about our panel: \nProfessor Eunice Simmons has been VC at Chester since January 2020. Her priorities include modernising the University’s courses and services through responsible use of new technologies\, chairing TASO – the national charity supporting access to HE – and promoting biodiversity and social justice projects in the UK and globally. \nEsther Ghey is a campaigner and founder of The Brianna Ghey Legacy Project\, which supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people and families across the UK\, and she is a leading voice on online safety and Phone Free Education. She has taken her campaign to the House of Commons\, appeared widely across national media\, is the author of Under a Pink Sky\, and was named The Independent’s Most Influential Woman in 2024 as well as one of GQ’s Heroes of the Year. \nDan Price was elected as Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2024.  He has set out clear objectives for his term of office in his Police and Crime Plan. Its three pillars – listen to the public\, modernise and reduce crime – focus on community-led policing\, crime prevention and public engagement.  It includes initiatives such as citizens’ assemblies\, getting ex-offenders into meaningful employment and investment in community safety projects funded through recovered criminal assets. \nTom Kearns is the Headteacher of Handbridge Campus at QPHS & Chester International School (CIS).  Tom has worked in education for over 22 years\, with 18 of those spent in senior leadership roles. Throughout his career\, he has gained extensive experience across a wide range of schools in the northwest of England\, bringing a deep understanding of different contexts and communities.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/mobile-phones-in-schools-necessary-tool-or-toxic-distraction/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Discussion Panel
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T170000
DTSTAMP:20260513T140525Z
CREATED:20260518T080009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T140525Z
UID:10000697-1783076400-1783098000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Chester's Social Health Pledge: One Conversation at a Time
DESCRIPTION:What if one small conversation could make someone’s day better? Join Public Health staff and Master of Public Health students from the University of Chester to explore social health and why simple moments of connection matter. Visit our interactive stall\, choose a conversation starter\, and make a social pledge to have one meaningful conversation during the Festival. Better questions lead to better conversations. And better conversations can help tackle loneliness\, one chat at a time.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/chesters-social-health-pledge-one-conversation-at-a-time/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Staffed Table / Event / Exhibit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/75.-Chesters-Social-Health-Pledge.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T123000
DTSTAMP:20260513T140755Z
CREATED:20260518T080030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T140755Z
UID:10000669-1783078200-1783081800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting early diagnosis of cancer  through Community Partnerships
DESCRIPTION:Thriving people and Communities – NHS and voluntary sector working together to raise awareness of cancer symptoms and screening. \nCancer rates and deaths in Cheshire are higher than the England average and the incidence of this disease is rising. If it is diagnosed early\, then survival is better for those who experience it. To support this\, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance\, an NHS organisation\, launched a Community Partnership programme with the Council for Voluntary Sector Partners to support community‑led cancer awareness. This work has reached 48\,000 people to date\, mainly in the most deprived areas. Come and hear about how this has been developed\, what the Alliance have achieved and what you could do to reduce your risk of cancer.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/supporting-early-diagnosis-of-cancer-through-community-partnerships/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/98.-Supporting-early-diagnosis.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T130000
DTSTAMP:20260513T151622Z
CREATED:20260518T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T151622Z
UID:10000670-1783080000-1783083600@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:What have doctoral researchers in health and social care ever done for you?
DESCRIPTION:Our doctoral researchers in health and social care grapple with real-world problems that have an impact on people’s lives. From searching the literature to find out what we know and don’t know\, to exploring what happens in the real world and identifying how we can change the way we do things\, they work hard to have a positive impact on the services that you use. Some of our students will present their work to show how it can improve people’s lives.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/what-have-doctoral-researchers-in-health-and-social-care-ever-done-for-you/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T163000
DTSTAMP:20260513T141028Z
CREATED:20260518T080040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T141028Z
UID:10000711-1783081800-1783096200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting early diagnosis of cancer through Community Partnerships
DESCRIPTION:Thriving people and Communities – NHS and voluntary sector working together to raise awareness of cancer symptoms and screening. \nCancer rates and deaths in Cheshire are higher than the England average and the incidence of this disease is rising. If it is diagnosed early\, then survival is better for those who experience it. To support this\, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance\, an NHS organisation\, launched a Community Partnership programme with the Council for Voluntary Sector Partners to support community‑led cancer awareness. This work has reached 48\,000 people to date\, mainly in the most deprived areas. Come and hear about how this has been developed\, what the Alliance have achieved and what you could do to reduce your risk of cancer.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/supporting-early-diagnosis-of-cancer-through-community-partnerships-2/
LOCATION:Picturehouse Cafe\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Staffed Table / Event / Exhibit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/98.-Supporting-early-diagnosis.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T141148Z
CREATED:20260518T080016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T141148Z
UID:10000742-1783083600-1783087200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:How to Feel Hopeful
DESCRIPTION:Young people are growing up hearing that the world is in crisis – from climate change to political instability and constant alarming headlines. This interactive session creates space to pause and look more closely. Are things only getting worse? What does the evidence really show? Through open discussion and reflective activities\, we’ll explore how to sit with uncertainty without losing perspective. A welcoming\, inclusive space for secondary age and above thoughtful\, honest and hopeful.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/how-to-feel-hopeful/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/81.-Hope-to-feel-hopeful-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T143000
DTSTAMP:20260518T080435Z
CREATED:20260518T080044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080435Z
UID:10000671-1783085400-1783089000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:From Grassroots to Greatness: why community mental health is vital to supporting local health and wellbeing
DESCRIPTION:Strong communities are the foundation of good mental health. But how do grassroots initiatives translate into real improvements in wellbeing? This panel explores the vital role of community-led mental health support in strengthening local health and resilience. Bringing together diverse perspectives\, we’ll discuss what works\, the challenges communities face\, and how local action can drive lasting change in mental health and wellbeing. \nwww.chaptermentalhealth.org
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/from-grassroots-to-greatness-why-community-mental-health-is-vital-to-supporting-local-health-and-wellbeing/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Discussion Panel
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T160000
DTSTAMP:20260519T104918Z
CREATED:20260519T104918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T104918Z
UID:10000752-1783090800-1783094400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:The Body Speaking: Functional Seizures and The Place of Trauma
DESCRIPTION:Join Professor Paul Bissell\, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester\, and Dr Marian Peacock\, Honorary Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research to learn more about this fascinating\, and often ignored\, topic.  Paul and Marian will argue that the medical gaze continues to overlook the profound roles of gender\, class\, trauma and suffering in shaping the experiences of individuals with diagnoses of functional seizures. 
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/the-body-speaking-functional-seizures-and-the-place-of-trauma/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTSTAMP:20260513T152303Z
CREATED:20260518T080029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T152303Z
UID:10000680-1783171800-1783175400@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Through the looking glass: Postcards to my younger and older self- exploring the psychology of ageing
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered what you would have said to yourself when you were younger\, or what you would tell your older self? Opening with an exhibition of postcards written by students at the University of Chester to their older self and members of Chester U3A to their younger self\, we will explore messages and their meanings\, applying psychological principles to discuss aging and its representation. Come along to find out what the key messages in the postcards are and what psychology has to say about them.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/through-the-looking-glass-postcards-to-my-younger-and-older-self-exploring-the-psychology-of-ageing/
LOCATION:Chester Town Hall\, 33 Northgate Street\, Chester\, CH1 2HQ
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/000.-Generic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T153000
DTSTAMP:20260513T144922Z
CREATED:20260518T080002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T144922Z
UID:10000722-1783175400-1783179000@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Sutures- A film made to highlight the perils of working in the NHS
DESCRIPTION:Sutures is a short film made in the skills unit at the University of Chester that has won awards at several film festivals both locally and internationally. It is used as an educational tool for student nurses to educate\, enlighten and entertain. The film highlights the issues facing a group of nurses and patients in the modern NHS.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/sutures-a-film-made-to-highlight-the-perils-of-working-in-the-nhs/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/80.-Sutures-scaled-e1777391072680.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260513T150011Z
CREATED:20260518T080049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T150011Z
UID:10000682-1783249200-1783252800@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Mindfulness and self-compassion in an uncertain world:  A 60-minute experiential session for the Festival of Ideas
DESCRIPTION:Join this session for a gentle\, practical introduction to mindfulness and self-compassion in uncertain times. Through simple guided exercises\, reflection and discussion\, you’ll explore how to steady your mind and respond to challenges with greater kindness. No experience needed\, just curiosity and an openness to pause\, breathe and reconnect.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/mindfulness-and-self-compassion-in-an-uncertain-world-a-60-minute-experiential-session-for-the-festival-of-ideas/
LOCATION:Chester Picturehouse\, Unit 10 Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Interactive / Creative Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/79.-Mindfulness-and-self-compassion.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T133000
DTSTAMP:20260518T080941Z
CREATED:20260518T080023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T080941Z
UID:10000686-1783254600-1783258200@festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk
SUMMARY:‘It turned us yellow all over’: Health Care Provision for Munition Workers During the First World War.
DESCRIPTION:This talk will discuss the background to the enormous expansion of munitions’ factories and production in Britain\, as a result of the ‘Shells Scandal’ of 1915\, including within the local area around Chester. This necessitated the recruitment of thousands of munitions workers (many of whom were women) and they were to be exposed to a myriad of health problems because of their work. These health issues will be discussed and the health care and welfare provision made for munition workers during World War One will be outlined. The contribution that medical and nursing staff made\, in an early forerunner of what is now often referred to as occupational health\, will also be discussed. \nPicture Source: Leeds Library and Information Service.
URL:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/event/it-turned-us-yellow-all-over-health-care-provision-for-munition-workers-during-the-first-world-war/
LOCATION:Storyhouse Garret Theatre\, Hunter Street\, Chester\, CH1 2AR
CATEGORIES:Public Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/94.-It-turned-us-yellow-all-over-caption-required-see-spreadsheet-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
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