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15-19 February Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks

My Mind’s Eye is a programme of mindful photography workshops designed to help participants experiencing mental health problems, reconnect with the world through photography and build confidence through a shared creative passion.

With no need for specialist equipment, the true spirit of photography is practising seeing. In taking a photograph, course participants are encouraged to pause, step back, and assess how they look out at the world. The programme has been supported by Sevenoaks District Council and a private donor, and the experience of participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Life had become a small place, but today I was in awe of the sky’s colour and so I went out in my dressing gown and slippers to take the photograph for the project.” 

 

the projects give me a focus and purpose, which was missing …”

 

“I have had a great time on the course and I’m sad that it will be ending, but I have grown in confidence and it has given me a stepping stone to do it on my own now.” Jake

The stunning results will be displayed in a special exhibition co-ordinated by the course leaders and fine art photographers Paul Sanders and Steve Sunnucks, both of whom have struggled with their mental health, and believe passionately in the positive benefits of mindful photography for mental health and wellbeing. The exhibition will feature the work of 12 of the course participants.

My Mind’s Eye Photography Exhibition runs from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 February in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks Library. Entry is free, and visitors should check the gallery website for latest guidance on visiting and opening hours.

Stevie Rice, CEO of West Kent Mind said,

We all know the benefits that creativity, learning and social connection have on our mental health. The My Mind’s Eye project has been a really great opportunity for participants to get together, develop skills, share their creative achievements and in doing all of this, improve their mental wellbeing. Photography, as a shared language, has enabled participants to identify their own relationship with the external world, with each other and it has acted as a catalyst to understanding more about self-identity and mental health. We are very grateful to Steve Sunnucks and Paul Sanders for co-ordinating this exhibition of works in support of West Kent Mind and providing another opportunity to bring together the participants and celebrate their creative endeavours.”