Natural Connections programme engages teens in the great outdoors

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has delivered on a popular photography programme for young teens in the borough.

Local photographer, Bernadette McAllister, delivered the Natural Connections programme to teenagers aged 12 – 18 in some of the borough’s award winning green spaces.

The workshops taught attendees how to capture the best scenic images of park life, wildlife and their natural surroundings. They were given guidance on editing techniques and the best software packages to use. The group were given the chance to engage with their peers interested in the same hobbies, and to connect with nature and the local environment all while learning a new skill. Attendees have stayed connected via a private Flickr page. Here they share more images and receive ongoing support as they develop their photography skills.

Mayor Councillor William McCaughey said: “I was delighted to see so many talented young people engaging in this programme and creating these outstanding images. The images are currently on display at Carrickfergus Museum until the 7 May 2022 and I would encourage residents to visit.

“Council is committed to ensuring our Parks and Open Spaces are safe and attractive places for young people to spend time in and to enjoy a wide range of activities including photography, so we were delighted to secure funding from the NHSCT to run such a programme in the borough.”

Nicola Arbuckle, Health and Wellbeing Manager from the Northern Trust who funded the programme said: “We were delighted to work with the Council on the Natural Connections Programme. This is an excellent example of how photography can help contribute to improved health and wellbeing for young people by connecting with others, learning a new skill and taking notice of their environment. Evidence also suggests that walking or being in a green space, like a forest or park, improves mood and reduces feelings of anxiety for young people. This is due to the restorative properties of green spaces and time away from noise, work, and social media, which enables young people to notice and appreciate nature. This encourages mindfulness and increases resilience to cope with stress.

“Green spaces also enable social interaction and physical activity, both of which can help prevent depression. Studies show young people tend to under-estimate the mental health benefits of their local green space, and therefore do not use them as much as they might to improve their mood, so it’s important that Council and the Trust engage with young people through activities like ‘Natural Connections’.”