Hi everyone!

Let’s be honest: school isn't always easy. We’ve all known a kid (or were that kid!) who felt like a square peg in a round hole during math or history, but absolutely came alive when they got to be creative.

I’m starting a mobile photography club to give every kid a chance to shine. I’m an experienced photographer with over 20 years of experience behind the camera.

I was never the best at academia in school but I was always being creative, and in a world long before social media and smart phones I didn't have much of an outlet other than my drawing. It wasn't until I was in secondary school where I first picked up a 35mm SLR and I was hooked, I have GCSE and 2 diplomas in photography and Ive done the odd job here and there but mainly kept it as a hobby until now!

Based on the rural Essex/Suffolk border, I currently run a photography club in the primary school where I work, so I'm very use to working with children from 5 years to 11 and I’ve seen the magic happen: I’ve watched kids who struggle with academic lessons suddenly become the "expert" in the room because they have an incredible eye for a photo.

Being able to create art using this medium can and does help so many adults with mental health, why not kids too, we have amazing areas to go and explore in the holiday clubs I hope to run too and giving these kids the opportunity to be creative can only happen with your help.

I want to take this further. I want to bring professional gear to schools across the region and launch holiday clubs so that creative expression doesn't have to stop when the school bell rings.

Why photography? Because you don’t need to be an "A" student to have a great eye. For a child struggling with traditional lessons, photography is a massive boost for mental health. It’s mindful, it’s rewarding, and it gives them a way to "speak" without saying a word.

What we need to get moving:

To get this project on the road safely and professionally, we are raising £4,400. This covers:

The Gear: 5 DSLRs and 10 iPads (second-hand, but sturdy!) for capturing and editing, SD cards, cases, bags, chargers....the lot!!!

Safety First: Public liability insurance and initial setup costs to ensure we are fully covered in every school and holiday club.

The Reach: Creating a mobile kit that can travel to rural schools that often miss out on these resources, just because we are in the country it shouldn't mean we miss out on the funds the larger city schools get.

How you can help: Whether you donate the price of a fancy latte or a whole iPad, you’re helping a local kid find their spark.

Thank you for helping me turn "I can't do this" into "Look what I made." Let's help these kids find their focus!