The "Connections Through Photography" programme is conducted over a 6-week period and is facilitated by a member of the MMPH team at your location.

Throughout the programme, weekly sessions lasting 1-2 hours are scheduled at a time and day convenient for the participants. Group sizes typically range from 6 to 12 individuals, with session lengths adjusted accordingly to ensure ample time for each member to participate.

The programme is structured into three main sections:

• Learning about photography techniques and interpreting the narratives behind images.

• Sharing personal photographs and expressing individual stories through shared images.

• Engaging in discussions on contemporary photography practices and exploring ways to actively participate in photography today.

The programme aims to facilitate the process of reliving cherished experiences and promoting healing through memory, providing participants with a meaningful outlet for personal expression and emotional well-being.

For more information on the programme, click here.

Reviving Experiences

Photography has a unique ability to transport individuals back in time, allowing them to relive past experiences and moments. By capturing images of familiar places, objects, or events, we can help individuals reconnect with their personal history and the emotions associated with those memories.

Stimulating Memories: Visual cues can serve as powerful triggers for memory recall. Through carefully selected photographs, we can stimulate the senses and prompt individuals to recall specific events, people, or feelings from their past. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, as it helps to exercise their cognitive abilities and maintain connections to their personal identity.

Providing Comfort: For those who may be feeling isolated or lonely, photography can serve as a source of comfort and companionship. Looking through old photographs or engaging in photography-related activities can provide a sense of connection to loved ones, community, and the world at large.

Creating New Memories: In addition to revisiting old memories, photography can also facilitate the creation of new ones. Through photography outings, workshops, or projects, individuals can engage in meaningful experiences, connect with others, and build a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Healing Through Memory

Using photography for "Healing Through Memory" involves the power of visual storytelling to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and provide solace for individuals who may be isolated, lonely, or suffering from memory loss.

Sharing photographs and their stories cultivates empathy and support, encouraging dialogue and understanding. By providing spaces for expression and reminiscence, "Healing Through Memory" offers a pathway to emotional resilience and connection, harnessing the universal language of visual storytelling to nurture healing and belonging.

Case Study; Grassy Meadow Court Care Home, Hillingdon

For 6 weeks spanning from May to July 2023, MMPH conducted a series of arts therapy sessions with the residents of Grassy Meadow Court Care Home in Hillingdon. Each week, between 6 to 14 residents participated in the engaging 2-hour sessions. These sessions delved into the artistic expression of photography, exploring various subjects such as portraits, storytelling, landscape photography, and documenting personal histories through images.

During the sessions, residents had the opportunity to peruse prepared prints provided by MMPH, sparking discussions on different themes. Additionally, residents shared their own treasured photographs capturing moments from their lives, including images of themselves, loved ones, and memorable travels. These personal photographs became a catalyst for sharing lived experiences and memories.

As a part of the sessions, portraits were also taken of the residents and staff, providing them with a tangible record of their shared moments and individual stories. This holistic approach to photography not only served as a creative outlet but also offered a meaningful opportunity for residents to reminisce, share, and document their lives.

The programme was a resounding success. Both care staff and residents were delighted at our presence and made great progress in their interpretation and ability to express themselves through photography.

Residents engaged with the programme at different levels of cognitive and physical ability. Some actively participated, sharing opinions and experiences with remarkable clarity by the end of the course. Others, including those affected by memory loss from conditions like dementia, found solace in using photography to access long-term memories.

Displaying a photograph of a picturesque landscape in Ireland jogged a resident's memory, evoking recollections of past travels, or cherished moments spent.

“This landscape is in Ireland, isn’t it?” asked a resident.

Martin, our MMPH member replied, “why yes, how did you know that? “
I’ve been many times… my auntie lived in County Tyrone many years ago…” the resident happily replied.