Research: Our Aims
We use photography as a catalyst to help people:
- Engage with nature
- Become more present
- Connect with others
- Increase activity
- Enhance creativity
Our aims are closely aligned to the NHS' s five ways to mental health which are well researched.
IMPACT
We are currently working with researchers at The University of Exeter including
Dr Ria Poole and are being supported by Health Innovation South West.
photography and wellbeing. RESEARCH Papers:
'The daily digital practice as a form of self-care: Using photography for everyday well-being'
In 2018 Dr Andrew M Cox of Sheffield University and Dr Liz Brewster of Lancaster University published a paper: 'The daily digital practice as a form of self-care: Using photography for everyday well-being' In the introduction they cite: 'We present data from an ethnographic study including interviews and observations to highlight how photo-a-day as a practice functions as self-care and how communities are formed around it. Photo-a-day is not a simple and uncomplicated practice; rather it is the complex affordances and variance within the practice that relate it to well-being. We conclude that this practice has multi-faceted benefits for improving well-being.'
'A randomised control trial exploring the impact of a photography intervention on wellbeing'
In 2022 Rebecca K Read, Oliver J Mason and Christina J Jones from the University of Surrey published a randomised control trial exploring the impact of a photography intervention on post traumatic growth during the Covid 19 Pandemic. The background states:Emerging evidence points to rising levels of psychological distress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for self-administered, low-cost, and accessible interventions that facilitate wellbeing and growth.'
“What I love about these sessions is seeing the way other people interpret the task set. A great variety of photos but all relating in some way. I find looking at the photos of others very inspirational, but it is also listening to what the participants' have to say about what inspired them."
Erica W
