What’s keeping our team’s Heads Above The Waves

It’s Volunteer’s Week this week, and since we’re lucky enough to have an amazing team of volunteers helping to keep HATW running, we wanted to introduce you to some of the gang! So here’s a few of the things that are helping to keep our team’s heads above the waves!

Roxxi

Getting out of the house

The things that keep my Head Above the Waves are being out of the house, whether it’s taking a long walk in the sunshine or volunteering for my local non-profit *wink wink* but, whatever it is, it helps me put in perspective any worries or anxieties that might be plaguing me into a bigger picture. 

Travel

My closest friends live all over the world and whilst this can be hard, especially managing time zones, keeping in contact with them and discussing many things, including our favourite band whom we met through, is another big thing that keeps me going, as well as finding the time to visit each other. I love to travel, my favourite country being Finland, (Helsinki, you have my heart) and whilst this isn’t something that is viable day by day looking forward to and planning these trips is something that makes me look to the future and have something to look forward to and work towards. 

Tattoos

Tattoos are another thing that aren’t something that I can get every day but having a new piece of art on my body that represents a time or a memory always brings me immense joy. I’ve only been getting tattoos for the last 2.5 years but already have 12, with another appointment on its way and they have given me such a confidence boost and helped me learn to love myself and my body. Body positivity is another big struggle in my life and getting a new piece of ink always makes my day.

Music

Music is also a huge part of my life and whilst I can’t play an instruments (always wanted to learn the drums, but never done it – maybe a goal for the future) being involved in the live music scene brings me so much satisfaction and joy, whether it’s attending shows or working as a merchandise manager. 

Couple of recommended bands/songs are:

Lost Society (‘Awake’)

Dead Air (‘Die’)

St Aurora (‘Happy House’ (Not released yet but live versions on Youtube!)) 

Caskets (‘Hopes & Dreams’)

In fact, I use many things that could hold me back, to actually improve my work in this field. My perfectionism and anxiety, helps me have the motivation to continually double check and improve my work (because it’s surprising how just counting can be a challenge sometimes.) It just shows sometimes your struggles aren’t just struggles, but a superpower. Your quirks, your passions, your love for things, are special. Be, unequivocally, YOU! 

Heather

Katie Pruitt — Self Sabotage.

I don’t make the rules: it’s summer, we gotta crank out the Americana. When it’s an honest, intimate track about struggling with your self-worth by a queer musician with a lovely voice, all the better. Music that reminds me I’m not alone always has a place in my playlists.

Kae Tempest — On Connection

A short, touching little chapbook on the communicative potential creation has. It’s equal parts transforming, validating, and inspiring all at once.

A ‘zero-hour’ daily structure

Structuring my day so that I can spend an hour before work dedicated to chasing my own joy, whether that’s playing Skyrim or making some art, is always a great way of making sure I’m taking care of all of myself every day.

Sophie

Weekly planning 

Sounds super simple but planning the week ahead, from meal prep to social commitments, massively helps me to make sure I’m balancing work, social and self care.

Running

Not only is being in nature something that massively helps my mental health, but it brings me to the present moment. All of those post-run endorphins makes most things feel better/more manageable.

Having a bath

It just soothes the body and soul, doesn’t it? I like to chuck a cheeky bath bomb in and just let myself rest after a long day.

Dave

Music

Whether I’m playing music or listening to it, it’s always been a massive part of my life. I think music can evoke so many feelings and emotions in ways nothing else can. From death metal, to hip hop, to classical there’s always something to lose yourself in.

Song recommendations
1.⁠ ⁠Pest Control – Year of the Pest
2.⁠ ⁠Ash – Shining Light
3.⁠ ⁠Pinegrove – Cadmium
4.⁠ ⁠Grateful dead – Ripple

Frankie

There is nothing that fills me with more joy than looking into the eyes of my lil pooch. A perfect being that is always there ready to cuddle, play, or prance around with a plant pot in his mouth.

Food

I love food. I love eating food. I particularly love eating my wife’s food. Food can unlock memories, make you feel things, and you can share it with friends and family. Whether it’s a fancy tasting menu or a take away, there’s always something to make you feel a little bit better.

Thank you!

We’re so lucky to have such an amazing team of volunteers helping to keep HATW going. From running the shop, to helping out with events; creating content to assisting with workshops. Y’all are the best. 🫶 (and thank you for sharing the stuff that helps you too!)

As ever. If you’re after even more ideas of stuff that might help you keep your head above the waves, hit up our things to try page.

And if you’ve got a minute

We’d love you to check out our merch with a message! Our volunteers aren’t the only ones keeping HATW going – it’s support from folks like you too! So please pick up some merch and help us keep spreading the message of hope & help.