"PHOTO"


People Helping Others To Observe


A project that's about what we see around us, how it makes us feel, express ourselves and resinate with others.

About


Our outreach groups are where people can learn together, share together and grow together.

No matter if you've never taken a photo or are a retired professional looking to share your knowledge, our groups are inclusive, non competitive and are designed to ingnite, inspire or renew peoples love of photography.


People


Our groups are about the people that attend them and not what camera they have. Everyone is welcome!

Together, the aim is to encourage, support and take interest in how others see the world around them.

And if they're not quite sure where to start, then we will help and unlock that vision.

Outdoors


Groups will be centred around Village `Halls, Community Centres and other participating venues. But will be taken outdoors at every opportunity, where the changing light, shadows, seasons, streets and landscapes can work their magic and help us focus on being in the moment, then capturing it forever.


Wellbeing


It's important for us that those that have had personal challenges, have become isolated, may just need an extra friend or two or simply have a good reason to get out and about, find these groups a safe place. Somewhere you can be yourself, express yourself, feel welcome and have fun.

Photography saved me.

For me, photography had always been a hobby from 1985.

Photography was always my safe space, tucked behind my camera, observing life around me, often alone in an offline world.

In 2015, my life went though heartbreaking changes, family bereavements, redundancy, loss of my work friends and so much more. I was pretty broken, had lost almost everything I knew and sense of purpose.

So I turned to my safe space and picked up my camera, making new friends along the way, leading to new opportunities and eventually taking the plunge into professional photography, the rest is history, but I'm not done yet.

Photography has the power to heal, socialise, explore, give a real sense of purpose and wellbeing... It's that feeling I want to share with others.

 Mental Health Benefits

1. Mindfulness & Presence

  • Photography encourages people to slow down and become more observant.
  • It helps cultivate awareness of surroundings, grounding people in the moment.

2. Stress Reduction

  • Taking photos, especially in nature or engaging environments, has a calming effect.
  • It can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by shifting focus outward.

3. Emotional Expression

  • A non-verbal outlet for emotions, especially helpful for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.
  • Offers a safe way to process trauma, grief, or difficult life experiences.

 Wellbeing & Personal Growth

4. Creativity & Self-Discovery

  • Engaging in a creative process can boost self-esteem and confidence.
  • Helps people rediscover passions and personal interests.

5. Sense of Purpose

  • Working on improving your photography provides a goal.
  • Can help individuals rebuild identity or find meaning during recovery or life transitions.

6. Achievement & Reflection

  • Looking back on photos can reinforce positive experiences, progress, and growth over time.
  • Boosts self-reflection and gratitude.

 Social Benefits

7. Connection & Community

  • Photography groups and workshops create opportunities to meet others with shared interests.
  • Builds trust and rapport in group settings through shared storytelling.

8. Communication Tool

  • Images can express stories that may be difficult to verbalize.
  • Facilitates dialogue across generations, cultures, and experiences.

9. Social Inclusion & Empowerment

  • Especially in community projects, photography gives voice to underrepresented groups.
  • Participants feel seen, heard, and valued.

 Physical Health

10. Encourages Physical Activity

  • Going on photo walks or exploring new places supports gentle movement and time outdoors.
  • Improves physical health while integrating creativity.



Where are our groups?


Well, that will be for you to decide.

Initially we are looking at Buckminster, Grantham, Oakham, Melton and surrounding areas, but demand could take us further afield.


We are keen to talk to existing community based groups, organisations & other suitable venues.



Costs


We would like this service to be available to anyone, through donations, sponsorship and funding.