An arts festival aiming to tackle the stigma around mental health issues in south west London is launching in Wimbledon next month.

Featuring six separate arts events, Happy Soul Festival will use dance, opera and art to showcase different aspects of the experience of living with mental illness.

Louisa Clarence-Smith catches up with festival organiser, Darren Fernandes, in the final weeks before the opening.

Louisa Clarence-Smith: How did you get involved in the festival?

Darren Fernandes: I was a volunteer in the beginning, when the festival started in 2007 as part of the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

I then became part of the organising committee and a couple of years later it was decided it would be best for the festival to be an independent charity.

LCS: Tell us about the opening event in Wimbledon's Antoinette Hotel on Friday, October 10.

DF: Our chief executive will be saying a few words to open the festival. There will be world music, film, dance and alternative therapies to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

We will have Indian dancers from Mitcham doing a performance, with interactive sessions where people can learn a few moves.

There will also be art workshops, an African art display, head massages and a performance from singer J Appiah.

LCS: How do you think the arts can be useful in helping people engage with issues around mental health?

DF: In our experience, art is an interactive way of getting the message out about mental health. There's a lot of stigma around mental health but by using different mediums, for example Bollywood films for the Indian community they are more likely to be able to engage with these issues.

A lot of mental health professionals will be there so it's also a way to get them to think creatively about tackling mental health issues.

LCS: Who is the festival aimed at?

DF: We've got such a diverse range of entertainment, it's open to everybody. For example the film Honour Killing will be played at the event in Balham on Monday, October 13, which might appeal more to an older audience.

Then we've got young teenagers doing dance performances who might come along with their friends and parents.

LCS: What are you most looking forward to?

DF: All of it, but definitely the opening should be a highlight. I'm also looking forward to a deaf comedy because I think it will make people think about how regularly we communicate with deaf people.

There's also going to be an opera about depression in Richmond, which is something I've never seen before.

LCS: What do you think are the main ways we can challenge the stigma around mental health issues in the UK?

DF: One is greater awareness amongst the community about mental health problems, which can range from mild depression to severe depression, anorexia or other forms of mental health problems.

I also think we need greater education and training for young people.

I remember when I was in school, I never knew anything about mental health. There could also be more training for parents and teachers to pick up on symptoms.

Happy Soul Festival, October 10 to 16; various locations; all events are free, some tickets must be booked in advance; happysoulfestival.co.uk.