Our Projects > A different view
A Different View is a peer-led photography and zine-making community arts project designed by and for adults living with severe mental health challenges.
This innovative project offers a safe and inclusive space where participants can explore the transformative power of photography and zine-making as tools for self-expression, personal empowerment and the creation of a supportive community of peers.
Led by a team of trained and supported peers, the project brings together a diverse group of participants who, while they have their own unique experiences, share a common understanding of, and empathy for, each other’s journeys.
Over several months and through a series of interactive workshops and collaborative activities, in both urban and natural settings, participants embark on a creative exploration that combines the art of photography with the process of zine-making.
Participants develop their artistic skills in composition, lighting, storytelling, techniques for content selection, layout, design and self-publishing. They engage in group discussions, share personal experiences and give and receive strengths-based feedback. Peer Support Specialists provide encouragement and emotional support, both in the groups and in additional 1-2-1 sessions.
Gallery Exhibitions
Most participants of A Different View projects go on to exhibit their work at a co-curated online or physical gallery, providing a platform to share their work and to initiate conversations around all aspects of mental health. Their work is powerful, enlightening, inspirational and challenging and demonstrates how important creative arts can be as part of a recovery journey.
A Different View West 2023.
A co-produced video where participants talk about their experience of the A Different View West project.
A Different View 2022.
A quick installation tour of the exhibited work from photography and zine making course.
Image Gallery
Zine Downloads
The project is kindly funded by Sussex Health and Care Partnership and designed and delivered by Recovery Partners and Lucy Groenewoud..
Outcomes and Impact:
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem through creative expression.
- Enhanced artistic and photography skills among participants.
- Strengthened peer connections and support networks.
- Challenged stereotypes and reduced stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
- Empowered participants to advocate for themselves and others.
LATEST POSTS
Have you had a mental health inpatient stay in the last 10 years in Sussex? We'd love to hear your thoughts around access to nature within #mentalhealth services. This will inform future work. Find out more: https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/6FQLLCP'
@SPFT_NHS @SusRecColl @peer_partners
Would you like the opportunity to win a £25 voucher, and do your good deed for the day? Look no further! Below is a link for a confidential nature and mental health recovery, short survey for people with experience as mental health inpatients in Sussex. Click to find out more.
Thank you @peer_partners & @CAPITALProjectT for a lovely Saturday afternoon visit to your 'A Different View West ' exhibition. If you missed it - catch up here: . Was a privilege to meet one of the artists and hear about his work #mentalhealthrecovery