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This participatory photography project was part of a research project exploring what interaction individuals who live in residential settings have with their local communities. This includes things people do, people they meet, places they visit, and the kinds of relationships that have been formed. The aims of the research were to look at the ways in which staff and members of the local community can make access to these things easier.

Participants were encouraged to look at different ways of portraying places and people, using photographs to tell a story.  Many participants learnt new skills, using digital, film or disposable cameras. Pictures were discussed and photographers wrote words to go with them. Using both photography and words, the pictures aim to give a voice to often unheard groups of people.

This work is part of a project supported by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust as part of a Social Inclusion. Managed Innovation Network  (MIN).  MINs were conceived to support innovations in practice and research and enable the development of networks of service users, mental health staff and carers.

Participatory photography was chosen as an innovative way of working and engaging with people who wouldn’t normally take part in research or other activities. This method also encouraged the learning of new skills and gave opportunities for people to explore their lives through creative expression. The project has been inspired and supported by ©PhotoVoice which has been used in a variety of international settings as a tool for social change. (see www.photovoice.org )

Making Waves is an organisation that consists of people with a range of experiences of mental distress. Through its member's experiences, it aims to transform mental health services and develop new and innovative ways of supporting people experiencing mental distress.  The organisation provides service evaluation of mental health services, contributes to the development and evaluation of courses and provides research, education and training.
One of Making Waves projects is Mind Frames which is finding ways to work creatively with people to enable their stories to be shared by others in order to give a better understanding of feelings, issues and experiences.

For more information about the project or for copies of the report. Telephone 0115 9505996 or email pykpyg@makingwaves.org