20 August 2025
SUSTAIN is not only making headlines but is writing them with their latest creative project.
Turning Lives Around’s Wakefield service which works with vulnerable people at risk of homelessness, has joined forces once again with local artist Raychel McGuinn to create The Thinking Times, a 20-page community newspaper exploring art, wellbeing and connection across Wakefield.
Featuring original writing and artwork, the newspaper is part of the Linking Minds Through Art project which Sustain launched last year to bring together neurotypical and neurodiverse people to work on assorted arts projects and gain an appreciation for how each other thinks.
The newspaper also features a classified guide to support services and resources for everything from housing advice, mental health and wellbeing, specific services for men and women to energy advice and addiction services. It has been funded by a culture grant from Wakefield Council.
Some 3,000 copies of the newspaper have now been printed and are winging their way across Wakefield and district to be distributed not only by Sustain but other service providers, museums and libraries.
The idea for the newspaper came from Raychel who has produced similar publications previously and has been involved in almost all Sustain’s art projects to date. She saw it as a means of bringing together and celebrating all that has been achieved so far and the creativity that exists in Wakefield.
“The idea was simple; bring people together through creativity, community and curiosity – and create something that felt like it truly belonged to Wakefield,” explained Fran Lomax, Sustain’s Volunteer and Peer Development Coordinator who has led all the projects.
In just six weeks, the content was pulled together by a team of eight made up of service users, volunteers, Fran and Raychel. Stories, sketches, poems and recipes were gathered together and additional content sought from other contributors.
“This has been the hardest thing we have done but we are all so proud of what we have achieved,” said Fran.
Fran’s sentiments have been echoed by those who have been involved: “It's absolutely brilliant and I'm proud of everyone who took part. It was so good to see everyone's artwork, and I'm very proud of myself having seen my creative writing pieces go into the paper,” commented Steve.
The newspaper has also attracted compliments from colleagues and support organisations featured in it. “Thank you so much, this is amazing and we really appreciate your support,” said Andy’s Man Club while Turning Point leapt at the chance to have copies of the newspaper at their Talking Shop in Wakefield.
Want to read all about it yourself? Access the Flipbook here . To find out more, why not join the Linking Minds Through Art Facebook group .