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2013-2016 Across Nottingham

About the work

This project used photography to assist people with mental health in their recovery, (re)integration into community life and developed a practical tool to help users cope with the stresses of life that can negatively impact their mental health.

Photography is an accessible medium as most people like to take and view photographs.  Each course ran for 10 weeks and comprised a series of workshops that included a combination of internal and external activities.   Through interactive workshop sessions taught users various types of photography including portraiture, landscape, movement and close-up (macro) photography using our DSLR cameras.  During each course users worked individually but also in pairs, in project teams and as a whole group which aimed to promote interaction between course members.   Courses included photography trips to local galleries, parks and other venues to broaden their horizons, (re)acquaint themselves with other community provision they may wish to access outside of the course sessions and this coupled with groupwork, facilitated friendships and reduced feelings of isolation.

The journey from novice photographer to exhibitor was a journey in confidence – each course culminated in an Exhibition and Awards Ceremony at week 10 where users gain sufficient confidence to showcase a selection of their work to family, friends, health workers and the general public.

• Courses were free of charge to learners

• Courses introduced learners to basic digital photography

• Digital cameras were provided but learners were welcome to bring their own if they preferred

• All courses culminated in an exhibition where learners showcased their work to their family and friends

The courses ran for 10 weeks each and lasted up to 3 hours per week