“These voices roar with radiant, redemptive healing.”

– Damien Dempsey, Singer

A packed crowd filled The MAC Arts Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 29 October 2025 for the launch of The Rest of the Story – Transforming Trauma to Voice, Agency, and Leadership, the first anthology from New Script for Mental Health. The evening was alive with music, readings, and heartfelt sharing from contributors, creating an atmosphere of deep emotion and celebration.

The anthology brings together personal stories, poetry, and artwork from people who have lived through trauma, mental health struggles, and social injustice — and who have found healing through community and creativity. It marks the culmination of a five-year collaboration between New Script for Mental Health, a grassroots movement in the north of Ireland, and writer and community organiser Michael Patrick MacDonald, creator of The Rest of the Story programme.

The Rest of the Story programme is a trauma-informed writing and storytelling initiative that supports survivors in transforming painful experiences into sources of strength and leadership. Participants find solidarity and healing through sharing their own stories while listening deeply to others. Together, they explore themes such as intergenerational trauma, domestic and sexual violence, suicide, addiction, and recovery.

“This project is about reclaiming our own stories — in all their complexity. When we share and own our stories, we begin to heal, connect, and build communities rooted in justice and care.”

“Too often, the lives of people who’ve been marginalised are told for them,” said Michael Patrick MacDonald, who edited the anthology. “This project is about reclaiming our own stories — in all their complexity. When we share and own our stories, we begin to heal, connect, and build communities rooted in justice and care.”

For Sara Boyce, Organiser with New Script for Mental Health, storytelling is at the heart of the group’s work.

“It’s about giving people space to speak, to be heard, and to challenge outdated ideas about mental health,” she said. “The programme created spaces of solidarity where people could share their pain, but also their power.”

The anthology has already received high praise:

• “A beautiful, heartening testament to the transformative powers of art and community.” – Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses

• “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 shared in the spirit of collective openness and respect — reminding us we never walk alone.” – Professor Emeritus Phil Scraton, Queen’s University Belfast

• “Stories of heartbreak, resistance and resilience... welcoming guardians of light, love and hope for the future.” – Noelle McAliden, Co-chair, NI Mental Health Arts Festival

The Rest of the Story – Transforming Trauma to Voice, Agency, and Leadership is now available through New Script for Mental Health, offering readers a moving celebration of courage, creativity, and community healing.

Download a pdf or epub copy of The Rest of the Story – Transforming Trauma to Voice, Agency, and Leadership and donations are gratefully received to support the important work of New Script for Mental Health.

To purchase a hard copy of the anthology, email sara@pprproject.org