Fresh Eyes Exhibition at Gloucester Cathedral
See with Fresh Eyes project launches new online exhibition showcasing how mindful photography and nature improves mental health.
From the autumn of 2019, creative project See with Fresh Eyes has supported 40 people in their mid-life from around Gloucestershire who have experienced challenges to their mental health or wellbeing. This online photography exhibition launches this month and showcases their work, celebrating their creativity whilst documenting their journey through the project.
See with Fresh Eyes was delivered with funding awarded by the BUPA Foundation and delivered by Look Again with support from Create Gloucestershire, Gloucester Cathedral and Llanthony Secunda Priory. Course participants were referred to the project by partner organisations: The Nelson Trust, Headway Gloucestershire, Maggie's and Longfield, all charities that work with and support individuals and their families through physical and mental illness, or provide end of life care.
“This online exhibition celebrates and demonstrates the incredible creativity of the participants. It also provides a critical, accessible platform to raise awareness of the effectiveness of a creative, non-clinical approach to improving mental health and wellbeing.” Ruth Davey, Look Again.
The project focused on using a blend of photography, mindfulness and being in nature to slow down, reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. Participants learned to see their lives from a new perspective, whilst building confidence and self-esteem, learning new skills and building connections with new people. The courses provided participants with creative, simple and fun tools for improving mental health whilst producing their own creative powerful photographs.
“This course came at the perfect time. As someone living alone, shielding and undergoing cancer treatment in lockdown - the connection with others and learning to be mindful through photography was wonderful. It helped me cope. I learnt to stop, be in the moment and take notice of all the beauty that surrounds me. I will forever be grateful for the Continued support Maggie’s offers and for introducing me to this wonderful course.” L.A. course participant.
The University of Gloucestershire have also joined with Look Again to carry out research about the impact of the project on mental health and wellbeing. This will be available in the New Year.
See with Fresh Eyes online exhibition launches on Wednesday 25th November at 11am and will be available via www.seewithfresheyes.co.uk for a year.
Explore Gloucestershire
18 November 2020
For further information.
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