This groundbreaking anthology has emerged from personal experiences of trauma and mental health struggles, alongside the healing power of community, solidarity, and the arts. It features a rich mix of poetry, prose, and memoir, all complemented by artwork created by activists. The anthology is the culmination of a five-year collaboration between Michael Patrick MacDonald, creator of The Rest of the Story programme, a trauma-informed writing and storytelling initiative and New Script for Mental Health, a grassroots community movement in Northern Ireland. It addresses subjects such as the conflict and its legacy, inter-generational trauma, domestic and sexual violence, suicide, addiction, and the struggle to move beyond pain and loss.
Praise for The Rest of the Story:
“A beautiful, heartening testament to the transformative powers of art and community.” – Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses
“This is a deeply moving read: my heart was broken and mended, often in the same poem or story. I came away stronger, changed.” – Paula Meehan, poet and playwright
“A remarkable collection of beautifully written personal disclosures shared in the spirit of collective openness and respect, reminding us all that we never walk alone.” – Professor Emeritus Phil Scraton, Queen’s University Belfast
“Stories of heartbreak, resistance and resilience echo through fractured chambers, banishing ghosts of the past and welcoming guardians of light, love and hope for the future.” – Noelle McAliden, Co-chair, NI Mental Health Arts Festival
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This groundbreaking anthology has emerged from personal experiences of trauma and mental health struggles, alongside the healing power of community, solidarity, and the arts. It features a rich mix of poetry, prose, and memoir, all complemented by artwork created by activists. The anthology is the culmination of a five-year collaboration between Michael Patrick MacDonald, creator of The Rest of the Story programme, a trauma-informed writing and storytelling initiative and New Script for Mental Health, a grassroots community movement in Northern Ireland. It addresses subjects such as the conflict and its legacy, inter-generational trauma, domestic and sexual violence, suicide, addiction, and the struggle to move beyond pain and loss.
Praise for The Rest of the Story:
“A beautiful, heartening testament to the transformative powers of art and community.” – Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses
“These voices roar with radiant, redemptive healing.” – Damien Dempsey, Singer
“This is a deeply moving read: my heart was broken and mended, often in the same poem or story. I came away stronger, changed.” – Paula Meehan, poet and playwright
“A remarkable collection of beautifully written personal disclosures shared in the spirit of collective openness and respect, reminding us all that we never walk alone.” – Professor Emeritus Phil Scraton, Queen’s University Belfast
“Stories of heartbreak, resistance and resilience echo through fractured chambers, banishing ghosts of the past and welcoming guardians of light, love and hope for the future.” – Noelle McAliden, Co-chair, NI Mental Health Arts Festival
You can watch a short video of the launch here