Open Mic
Designed for 18-30 to spark real collaboration and high-energy learning.
A blend of Poetry, Storytelling and Stand up A way to talk about Mental Health easily Sense of Community New bonds and Connections based on your love for Art
Hidden Stories on Shift
Tell the group: A nurse on a busy night shift shares a funny moment about a patient, but nobody notices the tiredness in her voice. Ask everyone to guess what ‘hidden story’ might be behind her smile — is it pure joy, stress, or something else? Invite a few wild guesses, then reveal that most healthcare workers mask their mental health struggles behind humor or routine.
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Why this works
Starting with a mystery from real hospital life gets everyone curious and invested. When they try to guess what’s really happening, they pay closer attention to details and get a surprising insight into mental health.
Stand-Up Myths Unmasked
Read out three common claims: (1) Stand-up comedy is never about real emotions, (2) Poetry always has to be sad, (3) Storytelling isn’t for healthcare workers. Ask everyone to vote true or false for each. Reveal the actual answers and share surprising examples from famous performers.
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Why this works
People quickly realize that their assumptions are not always right. The ‘aha’ moment sticks because it’s connected to familiar art forms and real-world roles.
Express Yourself Wall
Invite everyone to grab a sticky note and write either a single word, a doodle, or a short line about how they’re feeling today — no names needed. Paste them on a wall or virtual board. The room sees a mosaic of emotions, and nobody has to speak first.
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Why this works
Low-pressure activities give everyone a safe way in — even those who rarely talk can express themselves. Seeing the range of emotions makes the group feel more connected.
Laugh Lines Live Poll
Read three funny lines about life in healthcare — e.g. ‘When you find a glove in your lunchbox’, ‘You chart so much your pen runs out’, ‘You memorize patient names faster than your own relatives’. Ask the crowd to rapid-vote with hands, emojis, or cards: which line is most relatable? Then challenge the group to create their own in pairs.
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Why this works
Fast voting taps into group energy and gets everyone involved. Making new jokes in pairs turns the activity into a mini-stand-up moment, boosting fun and connection.
The Patient’s Perspective
Share a scenario: During morning rounds, a doctor uses medical jargon that confuses a patient. Ask: how could poetry, storytelling, or humor help the patient feel safe and understood? Invite the group to brainstorm quick lines or phrases they’d use in these moments.
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Why this works
Linking art to real communication dilemmas shows how creative expression can build trust and empathy. This brings mental health out of theory and into relatable moments.
Art Bonds Pair Share
Ask everyone to pair up and share a story: What piece of art — poem, song, stand-up clip, or movie — helped them get through a tough time? Each pair then writes a one-line summary of what they learned from that art. The group sees how many unique bonds and inspirations exist in the room.
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Why this works
Personal sharing builds instant connection and makes mental health conversations easier. Active reflection helps participants link art to their own resilience and support networks.
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