Young farmers' photographic mental health promotion programme: A case study

SYSON-NIBBS, Linda, ROBINSON, Andrew, COOK, Julia and KING, Ingrid (2009). Young farmers' photographic mental health promotion programme: A case study. Arts and health : an international journal for research, policy and practice, 1 (2), 151-167.

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Abstract

This project sought to document and describe a public health programme targeting young farmers from hill farming communities in England. Farmers are known to experience physical and mental health inequalities and have a higher mortality rate from suicide than the general population. Using a case study methodology and guided by Friere's empowerment model of health promotion, the project aimed to improve the self-esteem and self-efficacy of participants. Photography and interviews were used by participants to record their feelings and experiences of farming and convey them to a wider audience. Photographic artists supported the participants through the delivery of skills-based workshops. Participants (n = 100) acquired new skills and demonstrated increased self-confidence. A photographic collection was produced and exhibited across the UK including the House of Commons. Photography was successfully used to engage young people and enabled them to take their views to the heart of the government. Empowering young farmers may mitigate against future mental health problems in this vulnerable occupational group.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This paper reviewed and reflected on a three year project, originated by REAP (Rural Education and Arts Projects) and Bakewell PCT, which explored the potential of photography both as a means of expression and as a vehicle for a health study of young people in rural farming areas in the wake of foot and mouth and BSE. On the original project I worked with other photographers to deliver participatory photography activities to young farmers across the Peak District. The resulting exhibition toured nationally and was shown at D.F.E.R.A. headquarters and in the Upper Waiting Room in the Houses of Parliament. The paper was written by Lynda Syson-Nibbs and myself (with minor contributions from Julia Cook Ingrid King) as a reflective overview using the project as a case study.
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Cultural Communication and Computing Research Institute > Art and Design Research Centre
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/17533010903031622
Page Range:	151-167
Depositing User:	Andrew Robinson
Date Deposited:	28 May 2012 09:46
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 20:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5220

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