Young people from across Blackpool have got behind the lens to create a uniquely personal photo exhibition which is currently on display at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in the entrance area.
‘My Green Spaces’ captures the reflections of Blackpool Boys and Girls Club members to express what green spaces means to them.
The Club was established in 1935 as an independent charity and operates two youth centres based in areas classed as amongst the most deprived 2% in England. Its projects support and improve the wellbeing of young people aged from 8 to 24 whilst also providing support to parents or carers to help them develop emotional resilience.
The exhibition has already been at local venues including Stanley Park, Blackpool School of Arts and the Winter Gardens but has also been shown at Westminster Palace in June as part of the club’s visit there. This came about after the photos were seen by Blackpool South MP, Scott Benton. Mr Benton nominated the display which led to the Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle selecting the exhibition for Westminster Palace. Dave Blacker from Blackpool Boys and Girls Club said “We were delighted that Blackpool Council generously funded a group of 12 from the Club to go to London and see the exhibition in person.”
As a self-guided project the photos include images that are meaningful to its young photographers, such as local play areas and capture scenes, nature and landmarks that resonate with them in everyday life.
The Trust’s Kim Marshall, Head of Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Learning Disability Services said “We as a division are passionate about the health and wellbeing of our children and young people, capturing images that are important to them is great therapy in itself as it helps to showcase creativity, allows us to detach from otherworld responsibilities and improves our mood.”
Executive Director of Integrated Care, Janet Barnsley said “Blackpool Teaching Hospitals are delighted to host this exhibition showcasing the talents of our young people across the town. It’s great to see them expressing their creativity and showing what matters to them, quite thought provoking. The Trust is passionate about the green agenda with many initiatives underway and the creation and use of green space being therapeutic not only in illness recovery but also wellbeing for our patients and indeed our staff and visitors.”
Breanna Iceton with her photo in the exhibition
Visitors to the hospital are invited to leave their comments in a book which can be found in the display area.
Photo of book in the exhibition area where visitors can leave comments