Salisbury students turn to photography to tell their stories

A group of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners in Salisbury took part in the six-month project, which saw them take part in weekly workshops designed to help them explore identity, process trauma, and build resilience using photography.

Run by the charity Thriving Through Venture as part of a wider cultural enrichment programme focused on resilience and personal development, the sessions were held at Wiltshire College each Wednesday.

Jo Del Mar, chair of Thriving Through Venture, said: "We've been running a course since February every week at Wiltshire college and Uni for ESOL students and part of their cultural enrichment programme.

"For a couple of hours every Wednesday afternoon we have been teaching them about resilience.

"From the charity's point of view, it's proving that what we do does have an impact and that more of it needs to be done and there's not enough concentration on personal development in college and schools."

The workshops, led by head photographer Jack Hughes, introduced students to technical camera skills, artist case studies, and different forms of photography including portrait and fine art.

Students were encouraged to plan and create their own photographic work, using the medium to express emotions and reflect on their journeys.

They also explored their surroundings through the concept of psychogeography, taking trips around Salisbury and Wiltshire to connect with their new environment.

Mr Hughes said: "We started by teaching the fundamentals of photography, then learning about the industry and contemporary photography and how to use it as a form of expression and to cope with trauma, grief and adversities.

"Watching the students come out of their shells after six months was really great.

"At first they were quite timid and over the span of a few months they got a lot more confident and their humour and personality started to come out.

"It became about adapting to British life rather than their previous life."

The workshops provided a safe, supportive space for students to reflect on their lives, with one-to-one conversations helping them process change and connect with relevant artistic role models.

Rozzy Roan, the lead facilitator on resilience, said the students showed impressive determination and optimism.

She said: "They have an incredible positivity, despite some quite taxing circumstances they are ready to turn up and be quite positive.

"We think there's more scope for doing practical workshops with them."

The artwork will be on display at Fiver Rivers Leisure Centre until August 31.