Laughter's the tonic at Big Screen event

THE BBC's campaign urging the nation to smile its way to better mental wellbeing is beaming all the way to Swansea to coincide with World Mental Health Day this weekend.

This new campaign highlights the health benefits of simple positive things we can all do every day and asks What Makes You Smile?

An event is hitting Swansea's Castle Square Big Screen between 11am and 4.30pm on Saturday (October 10) with a host of activities and games to make the city grin.

Hosted by Mal Pope of BBC Radio Wales, the event includes laughologists on stage to tickle the city's funnybones and a competitive interactive big smile game where the people of Swansea can burst dark clouds and turn them into smiles while pitting their wits against the other cities taking part.

There'll also be a chance to quiz BBC Radio 1 presenter Aled Jones as well as a host of other feel good activities for all the family including Tai Chi, clay-modelling and karaoke.

The Big Screen will show the quirky What Makes You Smile films where animated balloons discuss what brings a smile to people's faces.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The Big Screen in Castle Square has been a real success since its introduction and this weekend will offer another opportunity to take part in some fun events alongside people in other British cities.

"Smiling and laughter are among the best therapies there are and these activities are sure to generate a feel good factor and terrific atmosphere."

Campaign Executive Nina Bell said: "Smiling is the universal sign of wellbeing and we want people to tell us what makes them smile.

"By just thinking about what makes us happy, we already start to feel better and more positive and it's scientifically proven that smiling makes you feel and look happier, healthier and more attractive. BBC Headroom is all about finding simple, effective ways of encouraging people to take better care of their mental health- and what could be simpler than smiling?

"We want the people of Swansea to come down to the Big Screen event, take part in the activities and share what makes them smile.

"Being active and socialising are great ways to stay mentally well and the straightforward action of smiling does many positive things that can help boost mood and morale but best of all, smiling is contagious, so not only will they feel happier, but they should be able to share some of that good feeling around!"

Peter Kinderman, Liverpool University's Professor of Clinical Psychology and Headroom Consultant, said: "There is considerable scientific evidence that just the physical act of a smile can induce positive emotions but to really lift your mood you need to make sure that your smile is a real one.

"So rather than just deliberately grinning, try to bring to mind some things that really make you smile- like talking to a loved one on the phone or watching Fawlty Towers- and make sure that your grin is genuine!"

Launched online and on Big Screens around the country on September 29, the What Makes You Smile? campaign invites celebrities and members of the public to share what makes them smile and encourages people to do something everyday to make them smile and take a simple step towards better mental health.

In a series of animated films, balloons come alive to discuss what it is that makes them smile. And whether it's people-watching, the rides at Blackpool pleasure beach, growing flowers or singing, each balloon has its own story to tell.

Go to www.bbc.co.uk/headroom to tell people What Makes You Smile and find out what makes everyone else grin.