Photography group realises true potential

News Release: 05 January 2012

A photography group at The Valley of Hope Project in South Wales is helping ex-offenders and those with substance misuse problems to realise their true potential.

The project aims to support people to live independently and photography is used as part of its rehabilitation programme.

Clients are taught a mixture of photography theory and practice, and over the past year their work has featured in a number of high profile exhibitions. These have included exhibitions at The National Assembly of Wales’ Senedd building in Cardiff and at the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd.

The group is run by Paul Jones who is a professional photographer and Deputy Manager at the project. He said: “Valley of Hope has been running numerous diversionary activities over the past few years as part of supporting our clients along their hard road of substance misuse recovery. Understandably our courses attempt to be fun, along with motivating clients to come to realise their true potential, which develops their own feeling of personal self-esteem and also assists as a relapse preventative exercise. Currently we teach photography, music and decorating.”

A Valley of Hope client said: “Since becoming a client of Valley of Hope almost a year ago, I have come a long way in my journey to alcohol and drug recovery. I have learnt how to budget my money properly, along with running my home efficiently. I can now go out into the community by myself and even go shopping. I am also involved in diversionary activities where I’m learning to play the guitar and about photography. I enjoy both subjects very much. These activities have contributed to rebuilding my confidence, and week by week my self-esteem is getting stronger along with my problem solving skills. I have learnt to believe in myself all over again.”