Drew looked for ways to help others affected by mental illness, so they could develop their photographic skills and experience the mental wellbeing benefits of creative expression. After completing his degree at the Cumbria Institute of the Arts in 2019, he learned about Change Mental Health from a friend. 

He planned to volunteer with the photography group run by the Employability Support Project in Dumfries. However, lockdown in 2020 disrupted his plans. The situation affected his mental health, prompting him to seek support from the service himself.  

During this challenging period, Drew received support from our Dumfries and Galloway services, primarily through online video calls. He was tasked with creating a virtual exhibition using Artsteps.com, a significant challenge due to his unfamiliarity with the software and his low motivation. Despite these hurdles, Drew successfully launched the exhibition, marking a personal victory. 

Once restrictions were lifted, Drew gradually returned to group activities. He was asked to help run a new photography group for younger service users. Despite the promising start, the group eventually disbanded, but Drew continued to engage with the original photography group. These sessions were vital for Drew, as they provided a creative outlet and helped reduce his anxiety, combat loneliness and build confidence through new skills and positive feedback. 

Over the next two years, Drew participated in various group activities, including a creative writing group. This group met once a week, where members could experiment with writing in different genres and forms and share their work with the group.  

“I found the creative writing group to be challenging but fulfilling as it helped me overcome the worst of my social anxiety. Being around like-minded people with similar interests also helped me to reignite my social life, which I had allowed to wither in the aftermath of the lockdowns.”

Volunteering for mental health

Feeling he had gained a lot from the creative writing group, Drew transitioned back into volunteering. He began with a brief stint at the Gift Shop once run by our Employability Support Project on Munches Street in Dumfries. He simultaneously volunteered with a local museum as an artifact photographer. This role led to a successful pop-up exhibition in the town centre, a milestone Drew credits to the support from Change Mental Health. Thanks to the support from Change Mental Health, he was ready to take the next step, which was employment. 

Working closely with the staff at Change Mental Health, Drew developed his employability skills, updated his CV and even participated in an open-day presentation as a success story – which gave him a taste of public speaking. Despite his social anxiety, he successfully delivered the presentation, further boosting his confidence. 

Adding to Drew’s success journey, his photography was featured in a charity auction organised by the British Hydropower Association in 2023. This event coincided with the official announcement of the partnership between BHA and Change Mental Health. For Drew, the recognition of his talent and resilience meant a lot. Seeing his photography sold at auction reinforced his sense of giving back and being appreciated in the community. 

Drew also volunteered with a history-themed support group at the Employability Support Project, where people could learn about the history of the world and Scotland and improve their reading skills. That experience allowed him to learn about risk assessment and other administrative tasks. He was later asked to assist with another photography group for younger service users, a role he enjoys immensely. Drew now works part-time at the museum he volunteered at and continues volunteering with Change Mental Health.