How to make the most of your Congress experience!

The ICC, Wales is set within woodland, surrounded by fresh air and greenery. We hope this will only enhance your experience at the Congress, although it will look a little different to our traditional Congress’, held in City centre locations.

The setting of the ICC, Wales will enable us to build further on our Congress fringe activity putting wellbeing and culture at the heart of the event. You will have the opportunity to take some time out and attend to your own mental health through walking and running trails alongside ponder pods and a living lounge within the venue and surrounding area.

As with previous years we will be hosting a full Congress Congress Cultural Fringe programme Fringe programme, with more sessions than ever before, focusing on wellbeing, music, dance and theatre. There will also be a series of breakfasts and lunches giving you the chance to network and make meaningful connections with others that have the same interests as you. 

We have put together some highlights below for you to start exploring. We hope to have more activities announced very soon! You can view the full programme of fringe activities on our dedicated webpage webpage.

Sunday 22 June

• Welcome reception - This is a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends before the Congress begins. You can also collect your badge early, avoiding the Monday morning queues. What better way to start Congress 2025 with the chance to get ready for the exciting days ahead? We look forward to seeing you there!
• Mindmasters - Following yet another incredibly successful run in Edinburgh at the 2024 International Congress, we are pleased to bring the ever-popular Mindmasters Quiz to Wales for the 2025 Congress! Members from around the world will form teams to compete to become the RCPsych Mindmasters champions. Come along to find out who will be champions of RCPsych Mindmasters 2025?

 Monday 23 June

• Print is dead…long live publishing! - With the changing climate in print, digital media and AI, what does that mean for books? How are we keeping the publishing model alive in a digital age, and what is the impact on aspiring authors? We must consider how are we reaching audiences within psychiatric and academic research in the new age
• Climate Café – The climate and ecological crises pose a significant threat to human health and wellbeing, often leading to feelings of anxiety, despair, and anger. Many people struggle to discuss the emotional impact of these crises on their lives. This taster climate café, led by trained facilitators, offers a safe, confidential space to share thoughts and feelings without advocating specific actions. You can participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable, knowing you're not alone in facing these challenges.
• Music as medicine – Join us for an inspiring session of part interview, part spoken word performance with Dr. Devika Patel and rapper Shocka. Shocka, a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, shares his powerful story of overcoming schizophrenia, using his music to reduce stigma and inspire hope. This session celebrates recovery, the power of music, and the importance of helping patients realise their dreams beyond just being symptom-free. Don’t miss out on this powerful conversation!
• A book club with a twist - exploring mental health conditions impacting on young people through fiction – Be part of an insightful session exploring how teen and young adult fiction portrays various mental health conditions, including autism, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more. We’ll discuss how these issues are represented in books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Boy Made of Blocks, Hurricane Season, and Stay Where You Are Then Leave. With misinformation about mental health circulating online, this session will highlight the importance of accurate representation and its impact on young people’s understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore fiction’s role in mental health awareness!
• Stand up for Mental Health! – Join us for an evening of laughs and insights at our comedy event, part of the fringe programme at the International Congress! This "Bright Club" style event combines humor with brains, featuring stand-up comedy with a mental health theme. Volunteers will take the stage for 5-7 minutes to showcase their comedic talents, having been coached to develop their own scripts. Expect a mix of wit, wisdom, and a whole lot of fun. The headline act will be announced soon—don't miss out on this unique and entertaining experience!

 Tuesday 24 June

• Doing do-able jobs: a masterclass in how coaching and mentoring can help you in professional development – take part in an engaging workshop designed to help psychiatrists prioritize self-care and support one another through coaching and mentoring. Led by experienced facilitators from RCPsych's coach-mentoring group, this session explores the value of coaching and mentoring in peer support, training, and professional development. You’ll gain practical skills in coach-mentoring, enhance your conversations through better listening and questioning, and reflect on your personal and professional growth. The session will also encourage you to tap into your “inner mentor” and apply relational skills common to both coaching and psychiatry.
• SIG fair and lunch - Join us during the lunch break to meet members of our 15 College Special Interest Groups to learn about each group and meet with like minded individuals. This is an informal drop-in session with executive committee members available to chat to, and answer questions about their SIGs. Lunch will be served in the room
• Examiner’s lunch - Join fellow examiners to network and say hello in this dedicated lunch session. This is an opportunity to get lunch away from the crowds, meet fellow examiners and discuss new developments. Lunch will be served in the room
• BJPsych Open 10th anniversary – celebrating a decade of excellence - Celebrate the 10th anniversary of BJPsych Open with an exciting opportunity to dive into the journal’s growth, vision, and impact on the global mental health community. Learn about its methodological rigor, commitment to diversity, and high-quality articles that continue to set the standard in the field. Led by Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Kaufman and Managing Editor Anna Munks, this session will highlight BJPsych Open's success by the numbers and explore why you should both read and contribute to this influential journal. Enjoy four dynamic presentations from members of the editorial board, each covering key topics inspired by articles published in BJPsych Open. Don’t miss out on this engaging celebration of a decade of excellence!
• Put your left foot in... - Join us for an inspiring and interactive dance session at the Congress, hosted by Navratna, a group of women healthcare professionals passionate about dance and wellbeing. Enjoy a lively performance, learn some dance steps, and dance along to a vibrant mix of South Asian, European, and Western music. This session encourages exploring non-clinical interests and promotes physical and emotional wellbeing. No previous dance experience is required—just come ready to have fun and connect!

 Wednesday 25 June

• The Movement - connecting our body and mind through creative movement - Join us for an inclusive session exploring the use of dance and creative movement to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Led by Dr. Howitt, who has a decade of experience working with diverse groups, this session will start with an introduction to movement’s impact on various populations. In the second half, participants will explore their own unique body movements, expressing themselves through creative movement in response to music and stimuli. This session is open to all, with no prior movement experience required, and will focus on comfort and personal expression.
• Doing do-able jobs: a masterclass in how coaching and mentoring can help you in professional development - take part in an engaging workshop designed to help psychiatrists prioritize self-care and support one another through coaching and mentoring. Led by experienced facilitators from RCPsych's coach-mentoring group, this session explores the value of coaching and mentoring in peer support, training, and professional development. You’ll gain practical skills in coach-mentoring, enhance your conversations through better listening and questioning, and reflect on your personal and professional growth. The session will also encourage you to tap into your “inner mentor” and apply relational skills common to both coaching and psychiatry.
• Crafting the life you dream of: underpinned by neuroscientific methods – join Dr Sridevi Kalidindi, a senior Consultant Psychiatrist and wellbeing expert, for an interactive and reflective session designed to support the mental and physical health of psychiatrists. Using evidence-based neuroscience methods, Dr Kalidindi will guide you through mindfulness, visualisation, and motivational techniques to help you reflect on your life goals and create a purposeful plan. By the end, you'll have a tangible representation of your aspirations, empowering you to make positive changes that enhance both your wellbeing and professional life. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain lasting insights and inspiration for your career in psychiatry.
• Faculty meet and greet – join us during the lunch break to meet members of our 13 College Faculties to learn about each group and meet with like minded individuals. This is an informal drop-in session with executive committee members available to chat and answer questions about their faculties
• Congress poetry reading - Join us for an intimate and evocative poetry reading as part of the fringe programme. This unique session will feature a selection of original poems that explore themes of personal reflection, cultural connection, and the human experience. Whether you’re a lover of poetry or simply looking for a moment of inspiration, this reading promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the power of words and creativity.

 Thursday 26 June

• Knightfulness - the chess challenge – Take part in an exciting Chess Challenge as part of the fringe programme at the International Congress! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this event offers a fun and engaging opportunity to test your skills, connect with fellow attendees, and foster a collaborative, supportive atmosphere. It’s more than just a game, it's a chance to network, share strategies, and build meaningful connections in a relaxed and friendly environment. Don’t miss out on this intellectually stimulating challenge!

 Throughout the Congress

• Wellbeing activities – start your morning with a number of different wellbeing activities taking place on each day of the Congress, from a 5km run to sessions on mindfulness, yoga, Zumba and nature based therapy
• Student and resident doctor lounge – if you are a student or resident doctor make sure you visit the student and resident doctor lounge, open throughout the Congress, to meet and make meaningful connections with your peers. There will be special sessions taking place each lunchtime, such as meet the College Officers and Meet the Chief Examiner
• SAS doctors lounge - if you are a SAS doctor make sure you visit the SAS doctor lounge, open throughout the Congress, to meet and make meaningful connections with your peers. There will be special sessions taking place each lunchtime.
• Art hub - The RCPsych is excited to highlight the powerful connection between art and mental health as part of our 2025 International Congress, with a focus on integrating art into our Cultural Fringe programme. We have two unique opportunities for you to get involved and engage with this creative exploration. Visit our website our website to find out more.
• Fringe stage – Returning for the second year, during the morning and afternoon breaks and lunch period, we will have a number of performances taking place showcasing the breadth of creative talent amongst our members
• Poster presentations – during the breaks and lunch period don’t forget to visit our ePoster hub situated at the heart of the Exhibition Hall, where you will be able to browse through hundreds of posters exploring diverse topics. Each lunchtime there will also be a number of rapid fire presentations showcasing groundbreaking research and innovations

 There is so much going on and we don't want you to miss out! Don't forget to book book your ticket now ticket now for our award winning event. We have sold out in previous years, so book now to avoid disappointment and take advantage of the early bird rates, available until Monday 31 March.