“It’s all about hope”: A Barnsley charities message ahead of art exhibition
A Barnsley charity is hosting an exhibition where listeners can hear accounts of real examples and experiences of people who have had struggles with mental health and suicide, and how they “got through the dark days”.
As part of Penistone Arts Week, local charity Suicide Sucks is holding its ‘Voices for Hope’ exhibition in which people who have have shared their stories which attendees will be able to listen to.
Artists such as Lorna Cooper, Tara Taylor, Rachel Mills, Charlotte Eastwood, Helen Tyrell and many more have made artwork that is based on the voices within the exhibition, they will also be on display.
Mick Rowe, the founder of the charity, hopes that people who attend will be able to take away some advice that may help them in the future.
Mrs Rowe said: “It’s all about hope, and it’s all about sharing what worked for them.”
The exhibition will feature voices of those that have appeared on the Suicide Sucks podcast, and Mrs Rowe believes these people can be role models who show that talking can help.
She said: “That is what is so awesome about anyone that comes on the podcast, they have got to a point in their life where they are not embarrassed, they don’t feel guilty about what they did because they are in a good place now.”
One person featured in the exhibition will be Samii Soffe, who recently spoke at Friday’s Stand Up To Suicide comedy night, in which she received a standing ovation for sharing her experience.
Ethan McIntosh was in the audience when Miss Soffe shared her experience with mental health and suicide and said: “It was heartwarming to have the courage to go on stage and say what she said, it was extremely powerful, and sent out a good message for those watching.”
You can listen to all of the stories shared on – Voices Of Hope Montage – YouTube
The exhibition will take place at St John’s Church in Penistone, starting at 8pm on Thursday March 26.