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A photographic project where residential patients from Wedgwood House mental health unit explored neighbouring Hardwick Heath.
The project was undertaken in collaboration with NHS NSFT, funded by local councillors, West Suffolk Council and The Tudwick foundation.
Participants were encouraged to take note of shadows, light and form, creating photographs with a range of cameras, magnifier attachments and smartphones.
Walking, fresh air and exercise – in a social and supportive setting – was as important as the creative activities.
Their images were then printed and made into creative journals for an exhibition of the work at the Apex gallery space, in Bury St Edmunds town centre, and at Wedgwood House.
The project proved particularly successful among male patients, developing skills and an interest in the natural world – as well as boosting self-esteem and confidence.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful photography session. Today’s activity gave me the opportunity to use a more advanced camera for the first time, which was exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed focusing on the beauty of nature on the heath and looking at things for longer and in more detail. We don’t pause and tend to do this often enough.
Whilst doing this activity I became so absorbed in the subject matter I was photographing that I was able to really relax and empty my head of all other things. Hence, it did me the power of good. This forms an important part of my journey of recovery.
I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
“Thank you for this afternoon’s walk. You pointed out some light in the sky on a miserable winter’s day, which made me realise the importance of getting outside.
It was really incredible to see the detail in lichen on twigs.
Now I have a much better understanding of my smartphone’s camera I will be able to take much better photos.”
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