Images of solidarity 

A photographic exhibition in two libraries across Doncaster opened to the public on Friday (27 November) with the support of Unite Community.

The Voice of the People project has been organised by Unite Community member Les Monaghan. It tells the stories of local people, through images and words, and the impact that austerity has had on them and their communities – but also how solidarity can make a difference in people’s lives.

The issues covered by the photographs range from homelessness to the loss of essential services, and many of those involved are members of the Unite Community South Yorkshire branch or people who have engaged with the branch through their regular public street stalls.

Les said, “We opened the Voice of the People project at the end of November at the first two libraries in Doncaster, and by next May it will have reached about 18 of Doncaster’s 25 libraries.”

“I started with photographing Unite Community members, but have also taken portraits of members of the public who have spoken to us at stalls and told me their stories, and how austerity has continued to impact on their lives and communities.”

“The idea of the “Voice of the People” project is to show that things can be different, and real alternatives exist when people come together who want to make changes and improvements to the lives of the people in their communities.”

Members of the Unite Community branch have been keen to get involved. Ann-louise Bayley said, “I’m taking part because it’s giving people a voice”.

Whilst fellow member, Gemma Cobby, added, “I’m taking part because I want to empower women to take action in their community”

The other driving principle behind the project was to exhibit the prints in venues that were free and accessible to as many people as possible, which is why Les has been talking to local libraries across Doncaster.

The first two libraries that Les have been working with are Conisbrough Community Library and Woodlands Community Library. 

The initiative has been getting a lot of support from local Unite branches, Richard Bennett, Unite Doncaster, said, “NE/SEC/1 branch support the exhibition because it gives the silent majority a voice.”

Les is now exploring ideas of how the concept of The Voice of the People can move to libraries beyond Doncaster, and how he can work with Unite branches in other areas to bring not only the existing images, but include a number of photographs from these communities as well.

As part of this he has already begun making photographs and stories with members in Hull and Sheffield.

The Voice of the People will initially be on display at Conisbrough Community Library and Woodlands Community Library in Doncaster until Mid January 2026 before rolling out to other libraries across the city.

Below are just a few of the images from “The Voice of the People” and you can see the more on Les Monaghan’s Instagram account.

Ann-louise Bayley

Cate McAndrew

Joseph Devenney

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Harvey and Les Monaghan