Presbyterian Church proves that comic timing can aid substance abuse recovery

The information leaflet is being made by a group at Gray’s Court in Belfast – supported accommodation run by the church.

The project is one of a number of special initiatives aimed at improving the physical, mental health and wellbeing of residents and tenants at three Presbyterian Church-run services, thanks to an award of nearly £20,000 from the Housing Executive’s Supporting People programme.

The comic is based on residents personal experiences with addiction, homelessness, lockdown and mental health issues.

Frances Craig, Gray’s Court project worker, said that while the comic isn’t yet completed, the work that has already been done has been worthwhile.

She said: “Everyone has been really enthusiastic and has come together around this, especially creating the storyline for the comic.

“We had support via Zoom from creative writer Rachael Kelly who helped the group write a fantastic script, full of their own personal experiences, such as moving into Gray’s court and living through lockdown.

“Then there was support from Jim Lavery of Paper Crane Comics, via Zoom again, who worked with the group to bring their original sketches to life all.

“We are quite far on and just need to place in the text and speech bubbles. Our support worker Zoe Gray managed the project, as she had previous experience of creating a comic book, with a serious message, from her university placement year.

“I would like to thank her for the fantastic work, commitment and expertise that she brought to the project. Without this, the Comic Book would not have been possible.

During lockdown, Frances also explained that much of the external support that residents received stopped overnight, which could have seriously impacted their mental health and wellbeing. “The project couldn’t have come at a better time, as we were able to come together, albeit socially-distanced in our communal lounge, to watch the Zoom classes via our big TV. We are all looking forward to seeing the finished comic.”

One of the residents, Jason (not his real name), said that he had enjoyed taking part: “None of us knew what it entailed. We came up with a few ideas, not knowing how they would turn out, but seeing the comic come to life was brilliant.

“I think we all really enjoyed it, as from start to finish there is a bit of us all in it. It was also good to get the everyday stresses, fears and anxieties that fragile recovering addicts like us go through. It is all there.”