Comics Youth CIC’s ‘Turn the page’ Social Prescription Project for young people aged 16-25

Comics Youth, a youth-led organisation dedicated to empowering marginalised young people through comics-based literacy and well-being projects, has announced the launch of its new initiative, the "Turn the Page" Comics project.

This project aims to provide comprehensive support to young adults aged 16-25 in the Merseyside area who are struggling with anxiety and depression.

Comics Youth, which focuses on delivering creative opportunities to children and young people aged 8-25 facing extreme marginalisation, is committed to giving these individuals a platform to express themselves and have their voices heard. Through various digital and physical publications, the organisation addresses community and lived experience issues, creating a space for marginalised youth to speak truth to power.

The "Turn the Page" Comics project is designed to offer personalised support to young adults who are dealing with symptoms and experiences of anxiety and depression. The project encompasses both proactive and reactive strategies to assist these individuals on their journey towards better mental health.

1. Reactionary Support:

Young adults enrolled in the project will receive one-on-one digital or face-to-face sessions at the Comics Youth headquarters in Hamilton Square. These sessions, which last approximately one hour each, are tailored to the specific needs of the participants. Led by trained Comics Illustrators, these sessions focus on autobiographical comics, allowing young adults to explore and express their lived experiences through sequential art. This creative process serves as a tool for inner self-expression and healing, ultimately building resilience in the participants. Each individual will receive 6-8 weeks of targeted support to guide them through this transformative process.

2. Preventative Community Support:

The "Turn the Page" project will also include two 8-week "Zinester" cohorts. These cohorts will engage young people in issue-based workshops, encouraging them to publish zines and comics that address subjects such as reducing isolation, managing anxiety, and challenging the stigma surrounding their lived experiences. By promoting community engagement and artistic expression, Comics Youth aims to create a supportive environment that helps young adults navigate their mental health challenges.

As part of their commitment to accessibility, Comics Youth will accept both referrals and self-referrals to the project, recognising the potential barriers to access that individuals with anxiety and depression may face.

Rhiannon Griffiths, Founder of Comics Youth, expressed her enthusiasm for the "Turn the Page" Comics project, stating, "Our mission is to empower marginalised young people and provide them with the tools to share their stories. We believe that comics and art can be powerful mediums for healing and self-expression. Through this project, we hope to make a meaningful impact on the mental well-being of young adults in the Merseyside area."

For more information about Comics Youth and the "Turn the Page" Comics project, please visit comicsyouth.co.uk or contact Rhiannon Griffiths at Rhiannon@comicsyouth.co.uk.

Comics Youth continues to be at the forefront of empowering marginalised youth, giving them the tools and support they need to overcome challenges and tell their own stories. The launch of the "Turn the Page" project marks another significant step in their mission to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the Merseyside community.