UK's largest youth-led photography exhibition opens for entries to support mental health

LONDON - Dec. 8, 2021 - PRLog -- Entries to #MyPhotoMyFeeling, (http://www.showandtellphoto.com/) the UK's largest youth photography exhibition, open today and runs until January 13^th. Last year there were thousands of entries from 10-18 year-olds, in response to the challenge from Show and Tell to take a single photo that expressed how they were feeling on that day.

The nation's top professional photographers and creatives are lined up to judge and support, such as writer and TV presenter Anna Richardson, Akram Khan MBE, dancer and choreographer, activist Soma Sara and many more (list below).

NHS Digital statistics show that more than a third (39%) of 6 to 16 year olds' and more than half (53%) of 17-23 year olds' mental health worsened between 2017 and 2021. Furthermore, the number of children with a probable mental health disorder has gone up from to one in six (from one in nine) in the same period. Info here: https://digital.nhs.uk/news/2021/rate-of-mental-disorders-among-children-remained-stable-in-2021-after-previous-rise-report-shows

Show and Tell seeks to create a safe space for them to share their emotions in order to help improve their mental health, with the photo submissions all available to view in an online exhibition from today. 15 images will selected by celebrity judges to put on billboards around the UK.

Writer and presenter Anna Richardson said:

"After two years of lockdown, insecurity, and fear caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, it's no wonder that we're all starting to feel the effects of frustration, isolation and anxiety. Imagine how much more bewildering it must be for the younger generation? That's why the Show and Tell exhibition #MyPhotoMyFeeling is so important - it's a way for young people to express their innermost feelings without fear or judgment, whilst also learning a creative skill. All of which is absolutely crucial for supporting good mental health."

Adnam Islam, aged 11, 2021 Show and Tell exhibition finalist and 2022 judge said:

"Taking the photos unlocked a different aspect of me that I couldn't find before. I have [continued to take photos] and really enjoy it, and I believe it should be a subject taught in schools."

Other judges include:

• Hassan Akkad, photographer and Syrian refugee
• Adrian Bliss, photographer and influencer
• Mike Chudley, photographer and influencer
• Nicky Cox, Editor-in-Chief, First News
• Caroline Hunter, The Guardian's Picture Editor
• Adnam Islam, Show and Tell exhibition finalist 2021
• Akram Khan MBE, dancer and choreographer
• Anna Richardson, writer and TV presenter
• Soma Sara, activist
• Mark Sealey MBE, curator and cultural historian

Notes to Editors

A selection of images and videos can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_-vhOppBimE6I3jAQ...-

Contact info@showandtellphoto.com for interviews, case studies and imagery.