A nature photography exhibition, which aims to help improve young people’s emotional wellbeing, will open at Eden Court next month.
Rewilding charity Trees For Life have worked with NHS Highland’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to develop Portraits Of Recovery, a photography project designed to encourage young people to connect with the natural world around them, to help improve their wellbeing and mental health.
The exhibition will include 30 photographs of nature alongside individual reflections from pupils at Invergarry Primary School, Kilchuimen Academy, young people who attend Arnisdale and Glenelg Youth Club, and NHS Highland CAMHS.
The event is funded by Support In Mind Scotland’s Rural Community Engagement Fund, granted by the Scottish Government to support and promote mental health recovery in rural communities following the pandemic.
The opening of the exhibition coincides with the launch of the Highlands Green Leadership SCQF Award, an award created by Trees for Life and High Life Highland as part of High Life Highland’s Youth Leadership programme to recognise young people connecting with nature and their leadership skills.
Family friendly eco art workshops will run on the day, facilitated by Ailsa Villegas, who works in partnership with Think Health Think Nature, and artist Innes Anderson.
The timing of the exhibition runs in line with the last week of the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival, which aims to celebrate and engage communities in climate action.
Dr Nick Barnes from Highland CAMHS said, “I am passionate about seeking opportunities for emotional support for young people to be taken out of the clinic. It isn’t an environment children and young people necessarily want to come to, so using creativity and connecting with nature as a restorative experience opens up a dialogue and offers a different means of expression to talk about emotional wellbeing and mental health.”
Jim Hume from Support in Mind Scotland said, “We decided to support the Nature Photography event organised by Trees for Life as it encourages young people to spend time in nature to support their mental health. We think this is a fun and engaging way to spend time outdoors and connect to nature, as photography can help us slow down and appreciate the natural beauty around us.”
Trees For Life are a registered Scottish charity working towards rewilding the Scottish Highlands.
Support in Mind Scotland is a charity offering support for people affected by mental health issues. The Scottish Government has funded the organisation to help improve mental wellbeing in rural communities through the Rural Community Engagement Fund.
High Life Highland is a registered charity that develops and promotes opportunities in culture, learning, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing across the Highlands.
The free exhibition will open on the 1st Floor gallery space at Eden Court Theatre on Saturday 2nd July 2022 and run for the rest of the month.