Socially engaged photography and wellbeing: reflections on a case study in the northwest of England.

Gary Bratchford,Liz Wewiora,Gina Giotaki

doi:10.1080/17571472.2018.1477439

Abstract

This paper describes a 9-month project commissioned by Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Liverpool photography organisation, Open Eye Gallery. Socially engaged photographers worked with local residents from the Windmill Hill estate in Runcorn to describe healthy and unhealthy aspects of the area. Six women were trained to use cameras to document everyday things that mattered to them. Through focus groups they discussed what these photographs revealed about the health and ill-health of the area. The resulting exhibition, As and When, told their story. Despite being a deprived area with more than average incidence of illness, they identified many positive things that enhanced their sense of wellbeing and resilience. The benefits of the project included increased social engagement and participation, an improved sense of vitality and rejuvenation, emotional benefits, a feeling of greater political agency and increased visual literacy. This paper outlines the model of practice developed with the support of CCG and in collaboration with local stakeholders. It makes a case for the value and the ways in which clusters of general practices could develop links and work with health assets in their local communities.

Highlights

Engaged Photography provides a way for clusters of general practices to work with health assets in their local communities
The narrative created by the participants showed that their sense of wellbeing was closely linked to their environment
The Bromley by Bow Centre was cited as an example in the 2006 White Paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say [14]. The objectives of such a project were to encourage a focus on prevention and wellbeing, patient-centred care, and better integration of services. It highlighted the role of the third sector in delivering services that promote wellbeing and an ultimate impact to reduce pressure on general practitioners (GPs) services

Summary

Introduction

This topic matters to me because I am passionate about the arts, communities and wellbeing. The co-authoring of arts-based engagement can be insightful and empowering It can be a resource and a tool to effect change and contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing. Engaged Photography provides a way for clusters of general practices to work with health assets in their local communities. An asset-based approach ‘makes visible and values the skills, knowledge, connections and potential in a community. It promotes capacity, connectedness and social capital’ [7]. It is especially important for those who are sick, to make them

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Conclusion