Catalyst’s MindLab wins second award!

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum has secured a second prestigious award for its unique programme that links mental health and wellbeing with science.

On Thursday, in the glittering ‘virtual’ CIA Awards 2021 ceremony hosted by BBC personality Chris Hollins, Catalyst won the Reputation Award for the MindLab project.

Since 2018, Catalyst has undergone major redevelopment through the support if ISF (Wellcome Trust/UKRI). This fund not only enabled Catalyst to refurbish its exhibits and education spaces, but also enabled the launch of Catalyst’s first community engagement programme.

Mental health and wellbeing were identified as significant issues in the local community, leaving local counselling services challenged, with many people unable to access other forms of support. To address this, Catalyst partnered with mental health charity Mind Halton to explore alternative ways to support people living with mental health conditions. MindLab was launched in 2018 offering participants a dual-frame for mental health issues, a therapeutic one and a scientific one.

In 2020, as the world locked down in response to COVID-19 the programme was paused, at a time when it was needed most, as crucially, research has shown the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on mental health. Thankfully, with additional funding Catalyst was able to restart the programme in Summer 2020 and has continued to provide vital mental health support in the local community since. Capitalising on the specialist resources in Catalyst including a lab, education rooms and interactive exhibits, MindLab participants take part in weekly counselling sessions led by a qualified counsellor from MindHalton before taking part in a variety of STEM activities led by Catalyst staff.

Catalyst CEO Martin Pearson said “We are absolutely delighted to win the CIA Reputation Award for MindLab. This project has sought to play a meaningful, civic role providing mental health support to the most vulnerable during the pandemic and we are incredibly proud that it has been recognised in this way.”

Jade French Community Engagement Coordinator said “I’m so thrilled that MindLab and its contribution to the local community has been recognised and celebrated by this award. Since Summer of 2020 we have provided five adult cohorts and two youth cohorts with weekly short courses to explore wellbeing, using our science centre and its resources to facilitate community cohesion, fun and curiosity with the world around us. Thank you to all those involved.”