Zines we’d like to see: Bookface Chapter 14 in print Youth in Mind Berkshire Conference

TICKETS for the second running of a mental health and well-being conference are now on sale.

Youth in Mind Berkshire will be held at the University of Reading’s Palmer Building on Tuesday, June 27, and is open to anyone who works with children and young people in statutory bodies, the education sector, voluntary sector organisations, and individuals across the county.

Young people play a key role in the planning and delivery of the event, which is hosted by Mind in Berkshire.

They identify which subjects they would like covered and discuss the challenges they face with speakers.

Half of adult mental health issues are established by the age of 14 and 75% by 24, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

Jess Willsher, CEO of Oxfordshire Mind said: “Post-pandemic and in the midst of a cost-ofliving crisis, an increasing number of children and young people are having to cope with mental health challenges.

“At a time when it’s more important than ever to understand mental health and wellbeing support from a young person’s perspective, we’re delighted to be hosting our second Youth in Mind Berkshire conference.

Exclusive

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

ON SATURDAY, The Rising Sun Arts Centre hosted the latest chapter of a book fair which celebrates indie publishing and bookmaking.

Bookface Chapter 14 saw artists and independent publishers share their work, their ideas, and their stories with stalls and artworks on display.

This year saw works by Reading’s Geoff Sawers and Suzanna Carson, whose micro-books covered poetry, stories, and even photography collections.

Rachel Knight brought textiles and surfacepattern papers as well as origami creations, while Anne Nolan of Redden Press and Two Rivers Press exhibited miniature photography collections from Reading artists.

It also saw stalls and contributions from Helen Lunn, Jack Wellings, and Lil Meep, as well as a poetry performance from Gill Learner, and ZAP Publishing, which champions work by people with learning disabilities.

The Rising Sun’s own Larry Watson gave a preview of his latest comic book creation about the Adventures of Merit Maotse.

Among the new additions to the event for this year were The Bookband, a group of seven artists formed in lockdown who bring individual but collaborative projects on common themes, as well as Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck from Poetic Pastel Press, and Bookmark Type!

Immy Smith, based in Basingstoke, brought their handmade watercolours as well as zines about art, botany, and–in particular– moths.

Smith, a regular exhibitor at Bookface said: “I always have a great experience. As well as selling my zines and paints, I get to meet other artists and share and learn from them too.”

Organiser Neile Wright, who was also exhibiting some of their experimental works, said: “We have had a fabulous time meeting the artists and viewing their beautiful books and sculptures.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that exhibited, visited and volunteered to make this event possible. We look forward to Bookface Chapter 15 next year.”

Ms Wright also extended thanks to Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), Reading Libraries, and The Biscuit Factory for their support

“It’s an opportunity for all of us who work with children and young people to come together, learn from experts and each other, and find ways of working creatively together to provide the best support we can.” n For more information and bookings, search: Youth in Mind Conference on www.eventbrite.co.uk

Speakers include Dr Luke Beardon, an autism expert and author, and Dr Dimitri Gavriloff, who specialises in behavioural sleep medicine.

Prof Mina Fazel will be joined by young people to discuss the findings of the Oxwell Student Survey, which was completed by 43,000 students at schools across the country.

Berkshire Youth’s CEO Sarah Emery will also share conclusions drawn from their 2023 survey.

Workshops will be delivered by a wide range of organisations, such as Citizens Advice, Samaritans, Soulscape, No.5, Reading FC Community Trust, Sport in Mind, Brighter Futures for Children and NHS Berkshire Healthcare Children.

Early bird tickets are £29.50 and can be purchased until May 27 – tickets will be on sale for £39.50 thereafter.

The event takes place from 9am-5pm.

THE PROPERTY market is resilient according to a Wokingham-based estate agency – despite transactions seeing a drop.

The recent Halifax House Price Index showed an average fall in prices by 0.3%, taking the UK average to £286,896 – £7,000 lower than last summer’s peak, and £28,000 higher than two years ago.

And in the south east, there was a -0.6% dip, taking the average house price to £387,469. This was the largest across the country, while West Midlands saw prices rise by 3.1%, taking the average price to £249,554.

Kim Kinnaird, director of Halifax Mortgages, said the figures came after three consecutive months of growth.

“House price movements over recent months have largely mirrored the short-term volatility seen in borrowing costs,” she added.

“The sharp fall in prices we saw at the end of last year after September’s ‘mini-budget’ preceded something of a rebound in the first quarter of this year as economic conditions improved.

“The economy has proven to be resilient, with a robust labour market and consumer price inflation predicted to decelerate sharply in the coming months.

“Mortgage rates are now stabilising and, though they remain well above the average of recent years, this gives important certainty to would-be buyers.

“While the housing market as a whole remains subdued, the number of properties for sale is also slowly increasing, as sellers adapt to market conditions.”

This view was echoed by Nick Harris, co-founder at Wokingham-based Quarters Residential Estate Agents.

“Prices may have nudged down in April, according to the Halifax, but there’s more life in the property market than many think,” he said.

“While some discretionary buyers continue to sit tight, serious buyers remain very active.

“Sellers are being much more realistic on price, and are typically also buyers so they appreciate a more balanced property market.

“The property market Armageddon some predicted is simply unlikely to materialise.”