Gaada is delighted to host the launch of Zines for Hoping and Coping at the Toogs Artist Workshop
The Zines are part of the larger project Navigating the Seas of Care which empowers Care Experienced Young People in Shetland to creatively share their journeys within the care system through zine-making.
What is a zine?! A zine is a small, self-published booklet or magazine, often created by individuals or small groups to share personal stories, opinions, and creative works on various topics.
Led by Gaada this year-long initiative involved evening workshops which provided an encouraging and creative environment for the #ShetlandCrew, members of “Who Cares Scotland,” to craft their zines. By sharing the lived experience of the group, these zines are intended to offer comfort and guidance to other young people entering the care system, helping them to feel less alone and more supported.
Gaada collaborated closely with each group member to explore their ideas through drawings, audio recordings, and writing, ultimately combining these elements into an 8-page miniature publication. The iterative process involved weekly feedback and refinements, ensuring each zine authentically represented the individual’s own story. Despite the logistical challenges of frequently changing meeting locations, which reflected the participants' own experiences of instability, the project succeeded in producing ten powerful zines, each filled with resilience and hope.
Looking ahead, the #ShetlandCrew and Gaada are set to continue the collaboration through the design and production of a book for new entrants to the care system. This book will compile heartfelt insights and experiences with activities designed to serve as a valuable resource of support and understanding for those facing similar challenges. It’s our shared hope that this work can highlight the transformative power of creative expression, and demonstrate how it can foster empowerment, healing, and connection among marginalised young people.
This project was commissioned by Who Cares? Scotland and funded by the Shetland Charitable Trust.