Research from the University of Gloucester
Look Again has been working with the University of Gloucestershire since 2018 to evaluate how the Look Again mindful photography methodology benefits mental health and wellbeing. The research reports can be downloaded below. In summary, the research concludes the following benefits:
Increases mental health and wellbeing
Decreases anxiety and depression
Increases social connection
Shows the importance of connection and engagement with nature
Skills learnt are sustainable
Appeals to both men and women
Provides participants with new perspectives and opportunities to reflect and reframe their appreciation of themselves and their lives
Identifies the key role of good facilitation
Successful design and methodology
Is successfully delivered online
REPORT 1
Engage with Your Community with Fresh Eyes, Preliminary evaluation of mindful photography as an intervention to support wellbeing
By Sumner, R. C., Hughes S. & Crone, D.M. (2019). ISBN: 978-1-86174-263-6
In 2019, the University of Gloucestershire evaluated a 9-month Look Again project funded by Gloucestershire County Council, concluding that the Look Again approach to mindful photography as an intervention is effective in increasing levels of participant wellbeing and mental health for both men and women.
The evaluation was commissioned by Look Again with support from The Gloucestershire County Council Thriving Communities Fund, in partnership with Stroud Nature.
Results:
Quantitative assessments show support for this intervention in increasing mental health and wellbeing of those that take part.
All measured, self-reported outcomes show improvement in comparisons of before and after self-completion of the bespoke questionnaire.
The programme appears to appeal to both men and women, in contrast to many existing social prescribing interventions where men are often less likely to elect to be involved.
Qualitative evidence provides support for the use of this intervention to increase participant wellbeing. Participants identify that the programme provides them with an ability to learn sustainable skills (mindfulness and photography) and use these to support their day-to-day lives.
The nature setting that the intervention takes place in is of importance, and provides participants with feelings of relaxation and wellbeing.
The intervention provides opportunities for social connection that are valued by participants.
The provision of an exhibition at the end of the course also is reported to provide participants with a valued opportunity to showcase their work, and to feel that they have transitioned into being able to continue activities independently.
Research Report 2
See with fresh eyes: Mindful photography for improved mental health. A mixed methods evaluation of the See with Fresh Eyes programme delivered by Look Again in partnership with Create Gloucestershire.
Sumner, R. C., & Hughes, S. (2021). See with fresh eyes: Mindful photography for improved mental health. A mixed-methods evaluation. University of Gloucestershire, U.K. ISBN: 9781861742643
In 2020, this programme was awarded a grant by the BUPA Foundation, which included commissioning this evaluation undertaken by the University of Gloucestershire.
Results:
Quantitative analyses provide support for the programme being associated with decreases in anxiety and depression, and increases in wellbeing.
Qualitative evidence provides a great deal of support for the programme with regard to its ability to increase social connection and decrease anxiety.
Of key benefit were the design and methodology of the programme, its success in online delivery, encouraging and enhancing connection to nature, and improved social connection.
Participants spoke of its impact in providing them with new perspectives and more opportunities to reflect and reframe their own appreciation of themselves and their lives.
Participants viewed the facilitator as being key for their ability to engage successfully and beneficially with the programme.
