Project details
In June and July 2024 we ran the “Creative Media For SEND Youth” pilot project, a weekly photography group designed for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The pilot formed part of a commission by Plymouth City Council (PCC) and ran for six weeks, culminating in a fantastic exhibition and celebration event.
Each Thursday evening, ten keen young participants aged 13-20 years gathered to explore various aspects of photography, guided by our Fotonow staff and supported further by PCC youth workers. Equipped with Fotonow’s digital cameras and other photography equipment, the participants engaged in diverse weekly themes, including photographing personal items in natural settings, experimenting with lighting, mastering the rule of thirds, exploring aperture and depth of field, delving into macro photography, and playing with shutter speed.
I’ve enjoyed experimenting with my camera. Before, I used to point and click – now I can change the settings and see how they make a difference. Participant, age 20.
Young people in the SEND community often face unique challenges in social, educational, and recreational settings. The Plymouth Report 2023 notes that while Plymouth has lower rates of child poverty compared to other areas, the challenges faced by children with SEND in low-income families remain significant. We believe projects like this one are beneficial because they offer tailored support and inclusive environments where SEND young people can thrive. Photography, in particular, provides a relatively accessible creative outlet that encourages self-expression and can help build confidence, social skills and even employability prospects.
It was wonderful to see my son out of his comfort zone and try something new. These are small but valuable wins to not only try new experiences but have some social connection. Parent of participant aged 14.
Parents also noticed clear benefits. One parent mentioned that their child “learned a lot” from the group, while another observed an improvement in their child’s confidence. Additionally, the social aspect of the project was highlighted by a parent who noted their child made a new friend. Engaging in creative activities can significantly impact the emotional and psychological well-being of young people with SEND, providing them with a sense of achievement and belonging.
My daughter has made a friend in the group which is lovely for us to see. She has come home each week very excited to share updates about her photography… she now socialises with this friend outside of the photo group. Parent of participant aged 14.
The feedback from our participants highlights the project’s positive impact. Some of the young people found the sessions very relaxing and appreciated the focus on nature in several photo-walks. Others enjoyed capturing previously unnoticed details and new perspectives. Some of the participants reported their enjoyment of learning how to adjust camera settings to achieve different effects, and experimenting with various techniques, along with the value of sharing a hobby with like-minded peers.
It’s been really nice actually, being able to explore how to capture parts of something you wouldn’t catch with the eyes, and capture things from a different angle. Participant, age 20.
The pilot culminated in a celebration exhibition, a happy gathering attended by participants, their families, and the youth workers involved in the project. Each participant proudly displayed two prints of their work in the exhibition, which they took home afterwards. Certificates were presented to acknowledge their efforts, and the evening was filled with reflections, feedback, and shared pride in their achievements.
Building on the pilot, we planned to run four one-day masterclass sessions over August 2024, before resuming weekly evening sessions in the autumn with new activities.
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in making this project a success, particularly the young photographers who brought their creativity and enthusiasm each week.
