Photography exhibition celebrates nature, confidence, and creativity due to Mental Health Investment Fund – Leatherhead Dwelling – East Surrey Information

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A brand new images exhibition by Active Prospects is shining a light-weight on the ability of nature, creativity, and personalised wellbeing help. 

The gorgeous photographs on show have been all taken by individuals who have taken half within the charity’s Green Escape wellness restoration programme, funded by way of the Mental Health Investment Fund (collectively funded by Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands ICB). 

Over the previous 12 months, small teams of two or three individuals have loved 8–10 nature journeys to stunning components of Surrey, together with locations which might be typically tough to succeed in by public transport, akin to RHS Wisley. Each journey gave contributors the prospect to discover new locations, take images and construct confidence at their very own tempo. Their work has now been introduced collectively in a singular photograph ebook and this particular exhibition. 

For many, these journeys have been life-changing. One participant had not left their dwelling for 10 years. With mild encouragement, sensible help and small achievable steps, they have been in a position to be part of the group, benefit from the outdoor and attain a private purpose they as soon as thought not possible. Families are concerned too, and wellbeing coaches from Active Prospects help every individual all through their journey. It’s a real crew effort. 

At the tip of the wellness restoration programme, every participant leaves with a personalised motion plan. By eradicating limitations, akin to worry of utilizing public transport or attempting new actions, individuals acquire the boldness to grow to be extra unbiased. Some have even taken their new expertise into work or volunteering. One participant found a ardour for paddleboarding and is now a certified teacher. 

Research exhibits that round half of autistic adults expertise anxiousness issues. Every a part of Active Prospects’ wellbeing teaching is designed to ease anxiousness, construct confidence and open up new alternatives for neurodivergent individuals over 18. Participants typically inform the crew they felt “invisible” earlier than becoming a member of. Peer connection is central to the programme, and actions give attention to what makes individuals smile, whether or not that’s inventive writing, images or paddleboarding. One member’s love of desk tennis impressed Table Tennis Thursdays, which is now a much-loved weekly meet-up. 

The programme is person-centred, with teaching tailor-made to every particular person. Thanks to Mental Health Investment Fund help of £299,270 over 2 years, in addition to the programme, Active Prospects additionally developed Emojo, a digital wellbeing app that helps individuals monitor how they’re feeling throughout eight areas of wellbeing akin to ‘Environment’. Users can set objectives, get concepts for brand spanking new challenges, and create a month-to-month temper calendar that helps them discover progress and patterns over time. 

The images exhibition celebrates all the pieces the programme stands for, confidence, creativity, connection, and the enjoyment of discovering one thing new. 

Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Public Health stated: “The exhibition has showcased wonderful moments captured in nature, and it was inspiring to hear the stories behind each photograph. It’s clear to see the positive impact of the support provided by Active Prospects—helping people improve their mental health, build confidence, and enhance their overall wellbeing.” 

Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands, stated:“This exhibition shows the real difference personalised wellbeing coaching can make. We’re proud that, through the Mental Health Investment Fund, Active Prospects has been able to create Inclusive Wellbeing Coaches to support adults with multiple challenges to grow in confidence and quality of life.” 

Maria Mills CEO Active Prospects stated:“Connecting to nature and the outdoors offers a real boost to wellbeing. Already participants have shared a documented 25% improvement in their wellbeing presentation, showing how investment in inclusive community support pays back public funding in multiples, but most importantly enables people to thrive.” 

Leanne – Programme participant: “I wasn’t going out, was overwhelmed and my senses were overloaded. Since being part of the programme, I’m able to get out and about and I’m seeing things differently.” 

Kieran – Programme participant and a member of the Active Prospects Wellbeing Team: “Being outside (in nature) after years in hospital gives you a feeling of freedom and space.”

Mental Health Investment Fund 

The Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) is a Surrey vast, all age, useful resource to allow the supply of the outcomes in Priority Two of the Health and Well-Being Strategy. This precedence space is targeted on prevention, eradicating limitations, and supporting individuals to grow to be proactive in enhancing their emotional well being and wellbeing. 

Established in 2022, the MHIF is a joint fund with Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) and is a part of the county’s No One left Behind agenda. The extra funding in psychological well being provision was ring fenced inside the 22/23 Council Tax with an extra contribution from Surrey Heartlands.