Eve, from The Bridge, receiving their donation of cameras and developing equipment.
The Bridge is a short-term provision for pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion and is based in Lanchester, Durham. They work with a small number of KS3 and KS4 students, with some pupils located in the Pathway Identification Programme (PIP) which are often students who have already been permanently excluded and need support before they go on to a new school.
I was contacted by Eve Cummins, one of The Bridge's teaching assistants, who had been given my contact details from a mutual friend, Ryan.
Said Eve, "I recently became involved in photography after the loss of a close friend. I found that photography can help with mindfulness, calming, and confidence, so I borrowed a camera from a friend and began doing very basic photography sessions with some of the children. They absolutely loved it! It gave them a sense of pride and achievement and allowed them to take time to observe and consider their surroundings. It partners perfectly with The Bridge’s Outdoor Education programme, giving our students plenty of opportunity to take photographs whilst out in nature and within the local area".
Eve is currently working on offering AQA Unit Awards in Nature and Wildlife Photography, which will not only give the children the chance to experience photography in nature but also receive an accredited qualification.
Eve added, "This can be amazing for building self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities, especially considering that many of our children will have given up on their education entirely. I hope to open doors to potential hobbies or career options that they may have never considered or had access to before".
This is a small donation of digital and film cameras, and some developing equipment. I hope it helps Eve and her students with their awards scheme.
