Prescot care service welcomes new photographers in residence

Marge Bradshaw and Sam Batley, Photographers in Residence at the Watch Factory

Submitted by Laura Jenkinson

A local care service has announced the appointment of two photographers in residence.

Marge Bradshaw and Sam Batley will join the team at The Watch Factory, which is based in Prescot in Merseyside.

Throughout their time at The Watch Factory, Sam and Marge will encourage creative activity.

They will also promote discussion between the people supported and the service's local community.

One of the biggest aims of the year-long scheme will be to establish a photography club at the service.

It is hoped this will create a community, giving people the chance to gain new friendships and develop opportunities for self-expression.

During their year in residence, the photographers will deliver up to 30 sessions of this free club.

The group will then be able to continue self-sufficiently, long beyond the photographers’ term.

The scheme has been commissioned by Community Integrated Care and Open Eye Gallery.

Open Eye Gallery will head the project, forming part of their Young at Art initiative.

This involves working with those aged over 60 across the Liverpool City Region.

Marge said: "I am delighted to have been appointed Photographer in Residence at The Watch Factory, along with co-photographer Sam Batley.

"We are really looking forward to working with the people supported to help them explore different forms of photography!"

The photography sessions will focus on telling personal stories and exploring the local community through a variety of different creative mediums.

These include taking traditional photos, or creating collages and cyanotypes.

Marge said: "Our aim is to support everyone who gets involved to feel confident to pick up a camera, try something new and express themselves through their creations.

"It’s so empowering to be able to share your stories and experiences with others.

"We hope that the photography club will inspire people to open up and give them the skills and confidence to do so."

The Watch Factory houses 70 purpose-built flats, specially designed to promote the independence and social connections of the older people supported at the service.

Susan Widlof, service leader at the Watch Factory, said: "At Community Integrated Care, we are passionate about enabling the people we support to pursue their passions and further their independence.

"Our new Photography Club is a prime example of our commitment to creating fulfilling opportunities to do just that!

"We are thrilled to welcome Marge and Sam to our team as Photographers in Residence at The Watch Factory.

"It is really unique to have these positions within a care setting and I’m really excited to see the positive impact that the programme will have, not only in helping the people we support to develop their technical skills in using a camera and taking photographs but also in giving them a voice and a platform to share their life stories !

"I would like to thank our partners at Open Eye Gallery for helping us to facilitate these sessions which bring so much joy and value to our people."

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