Project feedback and statements
| Rated feedback (on 5-point Likert Scale) from delegates at public exhibitions | |
| ‘Overall I found this event a useful experience’ | Mean±SD=4.44±1.00 23 of 25 respondents (92%) either ‘very strongly’ or ‘strongly’ agreed to this statement |
| ‘The photos and captions were well displayed to communicate the narratives of lived experience of mental health and its treatment’ | Mean±SD=4.48±1.12 23 of 25 respondents (92%) either ‘very strongly’ or ‘strongly’ agreed to this statement |
| Themes and supporting participant statements | |
| Creative and empowering method | 'We talk about these things all the time and are told to write these things down but to take photographs like these is better – it helps us to concentrate and focus on what matters.' 'It’s good that this project focus on understanding rather than assessments. There are not a lot of people that can describe these issues as those with lived experience. Similar to art therapy.' 'I feel uncomfortable approaching people. Expressing my thoughts is something I would not normally be doing. I hope that people one day change their attitudes.' 'The chance to discuss (and express) creativity in a confidential setting is very useful.' 'I felt we are valued and important. Giving task also made me happy!' |
| Facilitating recovery | 'The project gave me an insight into some of my problems and what I can do by myself to help myself.' 'Mental illness is not the end of the world. You can recover from it. The photographs show my past life and present life. This is my real story. I have a life and I have to live for myself before I live for others. I hope that people will come and see my pictures and that they will gain confidence and that they will encourage them.' 'The thing about taking pictures I think is very helpful … Because when you look at the picture, the picture is always there for you … and then you can share to people about it. I can ask you ‘can you look at this picture?’ … I can show and ask ‘do you see what I see now?’ … and then they say ‘yes’ and you know that at least you’re not alone. In this society, still a lot people have similar problems to you, so maybe you feel that you feel a bit better in that way.' |
| Communication and impact | 'Great connection. Inspirational approach. Shaping a single narrative that reflects people of different cultures about mental health. Photography as a common language.' 'With my pictures I would like to communicate to mental health authorities the importance of giving all people some sort of hope when they are facing problems, to offer them opportunities to express themselves in order to overcome obstacles and give some structure to their everyday lives.' 'The highlight was to see the photos I took in the exhibition along with all the others.' 'Images are intriguing but with the narratives they are powerful and insightful.' |
| Requests for further engagement | 'Looking forward to see how this concept evolves. Would love for health professionals to see how the people they treat view their mental health journeys out of a clinical setting.' 'The project should also be brought to and exhibitions hosted in other boroughs' (with particular reference to other London boroughs than those where the project took place). 'There is a need for more and larger events.' |