Mindful Photography UK CIC partnered with Carers Plus Yorkshire to deliver a series of wellbeing workshops for unpaid carers in North Yorkshire.
Unpaid carers often experience high levels of stress, isolation, and limited time for themselves. This project was designed to provide a gentle, accessible way to pause, reflect, and reconnect, without pressure or expectation.
The Challenge
Unpaid carers frequently:
- Have little time for their own wellbeing
- Experience emotional and physical exhaustion
- May feel isolated or disconnected
- Can find traditional wellbeing approaches inaccessible or overwhelming
There is a need for simple, flexible interventions that can be integrated into everyday life and continued beyond structured sessions.
Our Approach
We delivered a series of Mindful Photography workshops in Helmsley.
Participants were supported to:
- Slow down and take notice of their surroundings
- Engage with nature in a gentle, accessible way
- Build confidence in a small, supportive group
Importantly, the approach allows individuals to:
👉 take part at their own pace
👉 spend time alone while still feeling part of a group
👉 continue the practice independently after the sessions
The Impact
Feedback from both participants and partners highlighted clear positive outcomes:
- Increased sense of calm and awareness
- Improved confidence in group settings
- Greater connection to self and surroundings
- Development of a simple, repeatable tool for managing stress
Participants described the experience as both empowering and accessible, with benefits often felt quickly and sustained beyond the workshops.
Partner Feedback
“Rebecca’s Mindful Photography sessions in Helmsley gave our unpaid carers the opportunity to take time for themselves, be present in the moment, and learn a simple technique they can use in everyday life.
Caring can be non-stop and draining, often leaving little time for pause and reflection. It was a humbling experience to see participants so absorbed in nature, and to hear the meaning and emotions behind the photographs they captured.
Many are still using Mindful Photography as a way to recharge and reset, which speaks to the lasting impact of the sessions. Our thanks go to Rebecca for facilitating such a meaningful and accessible experience.”
— Louise Ennis, Carers Plus Yorkshire
Wider Impact & Partnership Working
This work forms part of a wider programme of delivery across York and North Yorkshire, working collaboratively with local authorities and community organisations to reach those most in need.
“The work of Rebecca Rowan’s Mindful Photography Community Interest Company projects has been well received and impactful. It is clear from direct feedback and from referring organisations that those taking part benefit from a clear positive impact on their wellbeing.
Vitally, it is also clear that Rebecca understands the importance of collaborative working with organisations that support people who would most benefit from it. This has led to excellent partnerships and critically targeting those most in need.”
— Paddy Chandler, Stronger Communities, North Yorkshire Council (March 2024)
Participant Voice
“I didn’t notice the daffodils on the way, but on the way back I was more aware. I really pushed myself physically, emotionally and mentally. I will try it again. I am more comfortable in a group than I thought I would be.”
- Our sessions support reflection without pressure
- Encourages autonomy and independence
- Can be used anytime, anywhere
This makes it particularly effective for individuals who may not engage with more traditional wellbeing or therapeutic approaches.
Work With Us
We are always open to conversations with organisations interested in supporting wellbeing through creative, evidence-informed approaches.
👉 Enquire or refer:
https://mindfulphotography.org.uk/referrals/
🌍 Online Delivery
We also offer online Mindful Photography workshops across the UK, making this approach accessible to individuals and organisations nationally.
Mindful Photography UK 