Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) have launched their second printed zine called ‘It Comes In Waves’ – this time tackling the broad theme of death, loss and grief.
This publication brings together interviews with leaders and attendees of voluntary groups in Rotherham, poetry and artwork created in workshops with members of Rotherham VCS and stakeholders Mental Health Network. It aims to promote the lifesaving work of the voluntary and community sector and aims to break some of the taboos that still exist around mental health.
Local artist Kim Munroe was commissioned by VAR to create the striking front cover, a tribute to her grandfather who passed away suddenly in March 2024. Kim chose to depict Azaleas, a flower representing family and unity, and oranges and yellows for love and warmth to represent all this zine is about.
Front ending the publication is interviews with two members of MCVC (Military Community Veterans Centre), a ‘military family’ and charity that supports South Yorkshire’s veterans in numerous ways. Both Pete and Michael open-up about losing their wives and how their involvement with MCVC has helped them through.
Alongside this feature is an in-depth interview with Sarah Lacey from S62 Community Together. Sarah discusses how her own mental health journey and voyage into motherhood has led her to working in the voluntary sector and makes her the leader she is today.
Ending the zine is a feature with Lee who runs Snooker4All, a space which encourages people with both physical and mental disabilities to play the game of snooker. Lee opens up about why he started the group, difficulties with his own mental health and his vision for the group’s future.
Kathy Wilkinson, Mental Health Provider Network Manager at VAR says: “We are really proud and excited to launch this, our second mental health zine. It’s a brilliant project and piece of work that showcases the incredible work of Rotherham’s Mental Health Network, and VAR overall. Thank you to everyone who got involved and made it what it is.”
Also included in the publication is a range of creative pieces including poetry by local arts advocate Zanib Rasool, and work made during creative engagement workshops including a creative walk in Centenary Way with members of the Mental Health Network. Natural materials were gathered by attendees and used to print onto a large, collaborative canvas that features in the zine’s centre fold.
A selection of support services is highlighted at the back of the zine, including information about Be The One, a campaign that aims to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in Rotherham. Free training is available that explains how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard someone that could be contemplating suicide.
Printed copies have been distributed across the borough or see Zine online – www.varotherham.org.uk/mental-health-zine.