Homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley has been selected to benefit from the first self-published book by spoken word artist Jack Horner, better known as Leon The Pig Farmer.
‘Talking Myself Out Of Trouble’ by Jack Horner is a compilation of 30 verses covering his journey through mental health awareness and recovery.
The book includes colourful illustrations by artist Phil Wagstaff and has been designed with help from Jack’s friend Steve Reilly.
Jack turned to writing after suffering a breakdown in 2019 and a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome related to his past service as an Army soldier.
He has since toured venues and festivals across the country, performing his spoken word verse as Leon The Pig Farmer with a no holds barred attitude.
Commenting on the launch of his book, Jack said: “I am so excited to get this collaboration into the public domain.
“It has been an interesting process and I would hope it can reach others who are finding life difficult and inspire them through creativity to start a positive new journey.
“I want to reduce stigma, raise awareness and increase dialogue around mental health, and this project will hopefully do that.”
A portion of the sale price from each book sold will be donated to Emmaus Mossley, a charity which Jack has supported for many years.
Emmaus Mossley, which opened in 1997, supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting.
It also offers companionship and individual support to men and women who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 companions (formerly homeless people) in the UK.
Emmaus Mossley is based at Longlands Mill, off Manchester Road, in Bottom Mossley.
Alison Hill, director at Emmaus Mossley, said: “We are extremely grateful that Emmaus Mossley has been chosen to benefit from sales of this book.
“Leon The Pig Farmer has supported our charity for many years, shopping in our Secondhand Superstore, supporting our events and taking the time to get to know the people we support. We have seen first-hand the impact of his spoken word performances and look forward to seeing these poems in print within this book.”
‘Talking Myself Out Of Trouble’ is out now and available from the Leon The Pig Farmer website and the Emmaus Mossley Secondhand Superstore.
A launch event will take place at The Gillery in Mossley on Saturday, May 29, and then Jack will be taking the book and performance to other venues and locations.
For more information about Leon The Pig Farmer, his spoken word poetry, blog and events, visit https://thepigfarmer.art/ To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley head to https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/
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