Developing Brook’s new accessible image bank 

For #SHW23, we’re Playing It Safe. In this blog, sex-positive illustrator, Rachel Jardine, explains the process behind developing Brook’s new accessible image bank. 

Over the last few months, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Brook’s Neurodivergence Lead, Dr Helen Dring-Turner, and Senior Communications and Policy Coordinator, Eliza Bell, to launch Brook’s own easy-read image bank. We decided that we would launch this project by starting with four broad themes of sex, contraception, STIs and communication. The selection of these themes and the concepts within them were chosen from topics that occur most frequently in Brook’s clinical, educational and digital work. 

As part of the research process we looked at existing types of easy-read images and discussed how these might be improved to better fit Brook’s approach. This preliminary research, as well as discussions with Helen and Eliza, laid the groundwork for me to approach this project with a full awareness of the requirements needed for accessibility. 

Thinking very specifically about the best way to represent complex concepts in the simplest form has been one of the biggest lessons I have learned from taking part in this project.

Part of this process has been achieved by partaking in brainstorming sessions with Helen and Eliza, where we combine our creativity and expertise and share what we think each illustration should look like and what it should represent. These ideas can come from anywhere – from reference images of medical procedures to more abstract verbal descriptions of our ideas.  

After each brainstorming session, I work to replicate our verbal ideas into visual illustrations, ensuring that each element we discussed is presented and represented for all accessibility requirements. When I begin an illustration, I start with the outline of the object and/or the people in the illustration, and then I add the colour. Showcasing accessibility through colour combinations has been something new that I’ve learned being on this project, that I hadn’t known before. Each illustration that I have created on this project has undertaken the same accessibility advice that exists across Brook’s services, ensuring that these illustrations adhere to the highest possible accessibility guidance. 

Being part of this project has made me reflect a lot on how far I’ve come.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated when learning about sex, relationships, puberty and everything in between. At some point, this fascination turned into frustration when I realised that I had not been granted comprehensive education from my primary school, high school or other educational outlets.  

Only in the last three or so years, I found that I could channel this frustration through illustrations that discussed sex and conveyed aspects of education that my learning had fallen short of.

Being a sexual health illustrator has allowed me to combine my passion for sexual health and my creative side into one all-encompassing role.

From something I never could have guessed I’d be doing a few years ago to the reality that I live now, I am so grateful that I have found sexual health illustration and have been able to contribute to the amazing work that Brook is doing for young people in the UK.  

Seeing this project come to life, from an idea we had to a finalised illustration that physically exists, has been the most rewarding work that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Knowing the direct impact that these easy-read images are going to have on improving education is immeasurable. I am extremely grateful that Brook has given me the opportunity and trusted me to be part of their work ensuring that everyone receives excellent sexual health, mental health and wellbeing education, no matter who they are. I really look forward to seeing these initial illustrations being used in Brook’s clinical, educational and digital work, helping bridge the gap in accessibility of sex education for all. This is only the start!