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How photography changed our lives
Young people launch their own emotional film during which they each tell their own very different stories of how photography has completely transformed their lives.
Produced and directed philanthropically by Positive View Ambassadors Andrew McGovern and James Waggott, each young person reveals for the first time the unbearable experiences they endured early in life – and how this has been overcome by participating in the Positive View Youth Empowerment Programme.
These young people have shown the power of photography to document their personal experiences of lockdown while, at the same time supporting their own well-being during a challenging time. Their images are powerful and insightful and add to our collective understanding of how society is responding to the pandemic. The RPS is proud to be working with Positive View to empower our next generation of photographers.
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I am 16 years of age. I live here in Brixton with just my Dad. My Mum didn’t die. She is alive, living somewhere in Manchester.
I’ve lived all my life on Westminster’s Churchill Gardens Estate where our heroes keep us going. For some it’s their mum, for others their gang mates or their involvement with drugs.
By the time I left the school my self-confidence and self-esteem were extremely low and I had mental health problems.
My mum kicked me out when I was 15. She couldn’t control me and said I was too bad for my own good. She handed me over to a foster home. I am now looking for a new family but after my mother herself has thrown me away, who’s going to love me now?
Before I knew it, I was following in my brother’s footstep. I started stealing in primary school and having fights. I decided to finish with education. I didn’t attend secondary school or college
I’m 19 years of age living on Westminster’s Churchill Gardens Estate. I have been living there all my life.