Damayanthi Muthukumaranage, founder of Humanity Media CIC, was commissioned by the University of Wolverhampton to deliver an illustration project for its Student Life and Pastoral Support services.

The university identified a clear challenge: although a wide range of wellbeing and pastoral support services were available, many students were not engaging with or accessing them. The brief was to create a set of illustrated messages that could communicate this support clearly, accessibly, and without stigma, helping students instantly understand that help was available, relevant, and approachable.

Damayanthi developed a series of thoughtful, student-centred illustrations designed to be visually inviting, emotionally reassuring, and easy to grasp at a glance. The illustrations were rolled out across student-facing spaces and communications within the university.

The impact was significant. Following the introduction of the illustrations, the university reported that student engagement with pastoral and wellbeing services almost doubled. This demonstrated how visual storytelling, when rooted in empathy and lived experience, can remove barriers, increase awareness, and encourage real behavioural change.

While this project was delivered independently by Damayanthi in her professional capacity as an artist and illustrator, it strongly reflects the values that underpin Humanity Media CIC, using creativity to improve access, understanding, and wellbeing within communities.