New photography exhibition at Axminster Library sheds light on young people's mental health
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A compelling new photography exhibition that explores the lived experiences of young people with mental health challenges will be on display at Axminster Library from Monday 30th June to Friday 26th July.
Created by local photographer Theo Moye, the exhibition aims to challenge the stereotypical and often overused 'head in hands' imagery commonly associated with mental health. Instead, the collection offers a more nuanced and personal view into the reality of conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The project was inspired by a call in a charity newsletter encouraging creatives to rethink how mental health is portrayed.
Drawing on his own experience of anxiety, Theo Moye worked in partnership with Action East Devon’s Headlight groups in Axminster, Seaton and Ottery St Mary. Together with young people aged 11 to 25, they co-created a series of images that reflect the complexity and individuality of mental health struggles.
Theo said the standard imagery often fails to capture the true nature of mental health challenges.
"While the ‘head in hands’ image is widely recognised, it often fails to convey the internal realities of conditions like anxiety or depression. Mental health issues are deeply personal and often invisible. The standard imagery doesn’t show what’s really going on inside."
Action East Devon’s Headlight groups provide safe, non-judgemental spaces for young people to explore their mental health, with the option of one-to-one mentoring. The sessions aim to build resilience and peer support networks, helping young people to avoid crisis through connection and understanding.
One young participant said the project had been a significant experience.
"It was definitely the biggest, most powerful, and most meaningful thing I've done to express my experience of mental health. It just felt really powerful and really good."
Chris Botham, Chairman of Action East Devon, praised the collaboration.
"Theo has brought both his photography skills and his lived experience to enable the young people we work with to express what is going on for them. It has been a powerful project, and we are looking forward to sharing their images with a wider audience."
Residents are encouraged to visit Axminster Library during the exhibition to view the thought-provoking images and support a vital local conversation about youth mental health.
( Photo: Theo Moye 📸 )