An exhibition of stunning images is due to open on Thursday (July 19), showing work created by members of a facebook photography group set up to allow people to share their mental health experiences.
The Photography For Mental Health group provides a supportive, safe environment for people to share their experiences using photography as a tool to help cope with varying mental health issues.
The exhibition at The Glass Jar micropub in Marine Drive, Margate, is a debut for the group which was launched last month.
Member Kelly Davis, who will be exhibiting, said“ I have both mental and medical conditions which could restrict me but this group has shone a light into my dark times and given me a new lease in life and lots of new fantastic friends.
“Sharing my photography in the exhibition has helped me massively to regain confidence in myself and what I’m capable of achieving.”
The exhibition opens on Thursday (July 19) for a preview, where visitors can meet the photographers and find out more about the group, and runs for one month.
Group admin Mel Chennell said: “The level of work by members is amazing and this is our first opportunity to showcase this.
“Running for one month at the awesome Glass Jar in Margate, it is an excellent opportunity to see some stunning images by talented photographers in a wonderful space.
Luisa Smith, manager at the Glass Jar, said “We at the Glass Jar are delighted to be hosting an exhibition for such a talented collection of local artists in the hope that we raise awareness for mental health.”
Images will be on sale and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the mental health charity Mind.
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.
Approximately one in ten children in Kent and Medway aged 5 to 16 has a diagnosable mental health problem.
Find the group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/476395926126352/