Words: Paul Chapman
Images: Mindscapes
Mindscapes is a support group for people struggling with their mental health, and was established in 2022 by Tim Adwick, a trained mental health first aider. The group use photography to give people time to focus, be present and reduce stress. Tim is the driving force behind the group and between 3 and 21 June the group will exhibit their work at West Studios.
They are also responsible for this edition’s cover image and all the images shown on these pages.
I caught up with Tim and Beccy to learn more about Mindscapes and the exhibition. “Mindscapes is a small friendly group that we’ve built over the last couple of years,” explains Tim. “It’s aimed at people suffering with isolation and loneliness and aims to increase and build people’s self-esteem, connections and confidence levels.”
“We meet on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm at the Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) Hub at the bottom of New Square in town where we socialise for a short time and then set off into town to find a suitable location for photography, often in Queen’s Park, but we do take trips further afield.
“We’ve been to Sheffield, Matlock, Bakewell and Kelham Island. We need transport for these trips so ask for a £5 donation from people attending and we are thankful for the support we get from the team at DVA who have helped establish the group.”
With his Mental Health First Aider qualification Tim can signpost people to other agencies and has a thorough working knowledge of the help available across Chesterfield.
“People are carrying a camera in their pocket on their mobile phone, so photography is accessible for most of us and we use photography to bring people together for a brief escape from their daily problems,” says Tim.
“We choose a theme each week, we look at street photography, buildings, architecture etc, and working as a group, people find their comfort zone and we walk around capturing images. We then gather and discuss what people have achieved.
"We use lived experience, training, creativity and photography to support individuals; empowering, enabling and equipping people to see things differently.
“It’s a great way for people to engage with each other and relax. Everything we do is non-judgemental, no pressure, just do what you like, what you enjoy.
“I like to think we bridge the gap between service providers when people need support. We also have people who come along just for the company and don’t take photographs, anyone is welcome,” says Tim.
The exhibition at West Studios is open from 3 to 21 June for all to see. About 80 pieces will be exhibited from a group of 10 or so photographers and promises to feature an interesting mix of subjects from across town.
If you have half an hour to spare, please call in and take a browse of the exhibition and if you think you might benefit from calling into Mindscapes just visit the socials below or pop along on any Tuesday from 10pm at the DVA Hub on Low Pavements.
Mindscapes
The DVA Hub @Low Pavements
Chesterfield
S40 1PB
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