ABOUT US

OUR STORY

From the 21st September 2020 we registered the It’s OKAY Project with companies House. The project is a ‘non profit’ private LTD company, limited by guarantee.

The company was registered in such a way to allow members to work towards the objectives of the company and re-invest into the project enabling us to make a positive change to people’s mental wellbeing and lives and encourage self help.

The aims of the organisation are:

i To provide alternative ways of coping with mental illness through provided creative outlets and projects

Ii. Providing opportunities to be open about mental health using creativity as a catalyst

The IT'S OKAY Project was founded in 2019 by Sara Prinsloo after experiencing traumatic events in her own life. Born in a little village on the off skirts of Manchester, Sara has forever been creative and used this medium as a focus point to support her mental wellbeing and bereavement processes.

"The world is shit enough and we need to make it better."

The idea began when Sara advertised an open call, via social media to create a Zine containing pieces focused around mental health and creativity. The Zine was designed to sell in aid to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus UK. The It's OKAY Zine self publication was funded by Sara's family and raised a huge £500 with the Zine selling out in 48 hours.

Once the Zine was completed it didn't seem right to end it there, with lots of positive feedback and a demand for more, Sara decided to gather a team of volunteers to help create further editions.

The project has naturally grown over time and we continue our mission to drop the stigmas that sadly find them selves attached to mental health. Our project is the voice of the people and built around real experiences of others which we share in a modern, funky fashion which is not only a visual delight but relatable to all. We approach the subject of mental wellbeing from a different angle than most. We use inspiring creative subjects such as art, writing and culture to help others understand them selves better.

"We're not the answer to mental health struggles but the help to find processes which can improve mental wellbeing."

Thanks to Coping Festival 2023 we received a donation which has turned our project around!

The It's OKAY Project has changed format and since September 2023 is evolving into a free online zine which everyone can access. We also have a free travelling art exhibition and zine library in the making so watch this space.

We have met so many amazing people along our journey and continue to build relationships through out. We would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting our work from the bottom of our hearts.