Charity empowers adults with disabilities through photography showcase

‘Positive Exposure: Growth Hub Stockton in Focus’ a new public exhibition from Growth Hub Stockton is open at ARC Stockton. Free and open to all, the showcase celebrates nature‑inspired photography created by members of the Growth Hub’s learning disability service.

Philip Wood, Lead Enterprise Manager for Growth Hub Stockton and Seaham, said: “We will be exhibiting around 30 images taken by our photography team who have learnt to use DSLR cameras, with support from our staff member and retired Photography lecturer, Denis Dunning.

“The members are extremely excited that they get this opportunity to showcase their work, and we invite you all to come along and take a look at what they have created.”

Stephen Millane, a service user at Growth Hub Stockton, and a part of the photography team, said: “I love photography and Denis. I love that people can see all my hard work.”

Growth Hub Stockton is brought to you by award-winning health and wellbeing charity, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP). The Hub provides support opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. The enterprise is centred around a Garden Centre, Café and plant nursery that enables the public to access and engage with service users and support the work the charity does.

Speaking on the opportunity, Carol Gaskarth, PCP Chief Executive, said: “Working in partnership with local organisations, and shining a light on the skills, experience and passion of disabled people, is incredibly important to PCP. I am truly grateful to the ARC for providing such a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity of our Growth Hub Photography Group, and I hope people from Stockton and beyond will pop in to enjoy their work.

“The Growth Hubs are still a relatively new part of PCP, and the dedication and enterprising spirit of our staff, volunteers and service users sits at the heart of everything they do. Our ambition has always been to co‑create opportunities led by the people who use our services. The Photography Group began through conversations with service users, and their natural flair and eye for detail shine through beautifully in their images. This exhibition at the ARC brings their talent to life. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in this inspiring project.”

You can visit the exhibition in the downstairs gallery of ARC Stockton until Friday 13 February.

Find out more about PCP Growth Hub Stockton here: www.facebook.com/PCPGrowthHubStockton

Explore other PCP projects and services here: www.pcp.uk.net