How taking photos helps teenagers with anxiety

Photographer Gillian Allard and Amelie, 16, who took part in the course

Teenagers who have been out of mainstream school because of anxiety and mental health issues have using photography to re-engage with learning.

Amelie, 16, has been home-schooled since the Covid-lockdowns.

She took part in a 16-week course, part of the Friends and Networks project run by Suffolk County Council.

She said: "I've really changed, it was amazing. I came out really happy and kind of a new person, more sociable and happy to learn."

An image taken by Amelie on a trip to Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge.

The project has been funded by the Department for Education, aimed at children and young people aged 8-16 with emotional based school avoidance (EBSA) or special education needs and disabilities (SEND) whose attendance levels sit at 60% and below.

It is a 'test and learn' programme, to develop the best ways of helping young people.

Maria Hough, Deputy Headteacher for Specialist Education Services, said: "We work with schools and families to re-engage children in activities to raise their confidence and help them to reframe.

"So far we have worked with over 250 children and young people and seen some lovely outcomes such as the wonderful work in this project."

The project offers courses in different creative arts and practical skills, with young people meeting once a week in small groups with a professional practitioner.

Gillian Allard ran photography sessions, with field trips to places like Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge and Christchurch Park in Ipswich.

Participants also used digital editing and graphics to create images which have been displayed at Woodbridge library, and Ipswich County library.

Ms Allard said: "Having a visual voice is very different to having a spoken voice.

"The kind of silent thought that goes on within, can come out through the camera.

"It really does give the participants, and everyone that comes to see the exhibition, an insight into who they are."

Michelle (Amelie's mother) and Charlotte (Phoebe's mother) shared experiences of seeing their daughter's confidence grow, with Amelie returning to sit some of her GCSE exams at school

Charlotte's daughter Phoebe is 15 and has been out of school for a year.

She told BBC Radio Suffolk: "She was struggling to leave the house, just isolated herself due to anxieties.

"It took a lot of prep and encouragement to get her to do it [the photography course] but once she did, it's just been so rewarding.

"For her to see this portfolio at home, we've been able to show family members.

"It just reaffirms that you can do things, you can achieve things, even if you are anxious.

"There's a big wide world out there and there will be a path waiting for you."

The Friends and Networks exhibition is at Ipswich County Library on Northgate St, and runs until 12 December.