Combining photography and mental health
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised amidst the breathtaking rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and over the last thirty years have now made my home in the equally beautiful North Yorkshire. Since 2009, I have passionately developed a unique model that intertwines mindful photography and mental health through my community interest company Mindful Photography UK. I am now supported by Mike Moore and Dr. Neil Gibson, engaging with mental health-focused partners in the vibrant region of Yorkshire. Through the transformative power of creativity, specifically through therapeutic photography for mental health, we successfully help individuals manage their mental health challenges and significantly reduce social isolation, demonstrating the profound impact of photography and mental health on well-being.
I love photography, being creative, walking, fresh air and so sharing mindful photography has to be the perfect job for me! I am trained in Mental Health First Aid, completed a training course in participatory photography by PhotoVoice™, I am a City and Guilds qualified tutor and have attained a distinction in the world’s first qualification at Robert Gordon University in PG Cert Therapeutic Photography.
I am never happier than when outside and I like to use photography and nature to help provide the motivation to exercise
I continue to engage with a diverse range of client groups; particularly those who are undertaking complex journeys and would like to take control of their own mental health through practices such as reflective photography. This includes those with a learning difference, neurodiverse individuals, people who have not had a positive experience with education, people with a physical disability, people who are navigating the justice system, participants who have experienced mental health difficulty, or survived domestic abuse.
Mindful Photography UK Workshops are bespoke and formulated through co-creation with the participants to reach objectives and achieve goals.
In 2019 I was awarded Community Teacher of the year in my role as Community Learning Tutor
Photography for communities
My working life has always been community based. I have seen so many people benefit from this approach to wellbeing and even one session can have a life changing effect upon daily perspective. Therapeutic Photography allows me personally to process thoughts and feelings and allows me to express myself in a positive way.
Is photography good for mental health?
I enjoy encouraging people to share photos, this helps build self-esteem and resilience, therefore reducing social isolation within communities
What are the other benefits of Mindful Photography?
I support people in learning new skills and enjoy helping them develop their own coping strategies for the future. Working together in small groups and sharing work in closed online forums supports participants in building independence and confidence in technology, thus building even more community connection.
Mindful Photography UK 