Voluntary Action Rotherham has been busily bringing together content for its very first Zine exploring the theme of Mental Health, and was excited to launch it in February.
This publication brings together a set of interviews and features with people that help facilitate groups in Rotherham that support people with their mental wellbeing. This includes Derek France from Mature Millers, who come together every week to discuss their love of The Beautiful Game.
It also includes Anthony Lacey from S62 Community Together’s Men’s Mental Health Group, whose weekly sessions have become a cornerstone of support for many men in the area, and Jane Owen, who runs an increasingly popular Menopause Support Group.
This is just a microcosm of a rich pool of voluntary and community groups that are working on the front line to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.
As is tradition with Zines, the publication also features lots of artwork, including two collections that have been created during engagement workshops with Rotherham charities Rush House and YAWR services, and some original pieces by creatives with experience of mental health.
A pair of local artists were commissioned to design the front cover of the Zine – Samira Butt and Emily Twynham – collectively Aralia Studios. The eye-catching work Navigating Thoughts Through Open Waters takes inspiration from their own mental health journeys.
David Plumtree, Director of Infrastructure at Voluntary Action Rotherham, said: “This Zine is brilliant – we’re really proud of the work front line organisations do on the topic of mental health, and of our team for pulling this together. It doesn’t matter who you are, there’s something in here to get you thinking about your own mental health – and that can only be a good thing!”
The group has printed a limited run of these Zines and will be distributing them across the town. If you would like to find out more, please contact Amy Forde (Engagement and Communications Officer) at amy.forde@varotherham.org.uk or Kathy Wilkinson(Mental Health Provider Network Manager) at kathy.wilkinson@varotherham.org.uk.