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New Nationwide Project Gives Young People A Way To Express Themselves Through Photography

New Nationwide Project Gives Young People A Way To Express Themselves Through Photography

Launched to coincide with World Mental Health Day, Show and Tell gives young people better understanding of their mental wellbeing

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A nationwide project is encouraging young people to communicate their emotions through the power of photography, as a creative way to help give them a voice.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October), The Photography Movement has launched Show and Tell, a therapeutic, interactive programme that can be accessed by youngsters at home or at school.

Show and Tell

It comes from non-profit organisation The Photography Movement - in partnership with Mental Health UK, EyeEm, Constance and Getty Images, and powered by Cisco Webex.

It hopes to give children and young adults a better understanding of their mental wellbeing, supporting the 'lockdown generation' as mental health experts warn of a new crisis linked to children going back to school to resume their 'normal' lives.

Billing itself as a 'new approach to support mental health in the young', it's the first nationwide project to directly ask 11-18-year-olds: 'How are you feeling?'

The programme features workshop films for young people to gain tips and advice from, which are led by four world-leading photographers: Ian Rankin, Emma Hardy, Francis Augusto and Daniel Regan.

Photographer Ian Rankin.
PA

Participants can then also complete a series of tasks, develop their skills and submit images that really express their emotions - with live feedback sessions available for schools.

In January 2021, a selection of the images shared by participants will be chosen as part of a national exhibition, which will represent the 'incredible stories, hopes and emotions of young people across the UK'.

Kenza Dairi, from Mental Health UK, said: "Mental Health UK is delighted to partner with the Show and Tell project. By taking part in a positive and creative activity such as photography, young people can help to build their confidence and reduce feelings of anxiety. We look forward to seeing all the images that will come out of this exciting project."

Enda Egan, also from Mental Health UK, added: "The level of uncertainty facing young people is having a profound impact on their wellbeing and mental health.

"The removal of traditional support systems like school, sports, socialising etc paves the way for young people seeking different mediums to express their emotions and feelings. These should be encouraged, allowing young people to express themselves in ways they feel comfortable to them."

For more information on Show and Tell and how to get involved, visit the project's website.

The view the workshops, which are all now live, head to the Show and Tell YouTube feed, while for school enquiries, you can contact [email protected].

Submissions for the Show and Tell exhibition are also open via global photography community platform EyeEm until 10 January.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News