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A new facebook page aimed at giving people a safe place to share mental health experiences through photography has been launched by a Ramsgate mum-of-one.
Mel Chennell, 44, is hoping the positive benefits she has found in photography will also help others find a way to express themselves.
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Mel said: “I have had mental health issues myself -anxiety and depression – and found that getting out the house and focusing my mind and energy on a positive pastime really helped. Art therapy has long been around and there is growing evidence that photography can do the same by providing people with a medium to express their feelings and emotions.
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“I started Facebook group Photography For Mental Health to provide a supportive, safe environment for people to share their experiences of using photography as a tool to help cope with varying mental health issues. Members can share photographs and talk openly about shared life challenges.
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“All skill levels of photographers are welcome, from the mobile phone snapper all the way up to professionals. Phone cameras are so advanced now that the shots they produce are a legitimate artform. This is great as it really does open up the group to nearly everybody.”
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Members of the page are mostly based in the South-east, although there are also some from overseas. Mel says the group is hoping to attract people from across the country.
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The group is planning a photography walk/meet up in Margate and looking at the possibility of an exhibition by the members to raise awareness surrounding mental health. They are currently looking for a suitable venue.
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Mel, who exhibits her work, added: “I am extremely excited by this new venture and believe the group will make a big difference to people battling mental health issues.”
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Find the group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/476395926126352/
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According to NHS data in Kent and Medway around 231,000 people aged 18-64 have a common mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety and some 13,000 people have more serious mental ill health such as schizophrenia.
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Approximately one in ten children in Kent and Medway aged 5 to 16 has a diagnosable mental health problem.