On Monday, 4th September 2023, Volunteer Centre Dorset will launch a photography exhibition showcasing work produced by Community Credit volunteers and mentors. Between 2-4pm, the public are invited to come along to Dorchester Library to the opening of the exhibition to see the inspirational work, meet the photographers and hear more about this local project. The exhibition will then continue to be on display for the remainder of the month during regular library opening hours. 

The Community Credit Scheme originally began over ten years ago to help adults with learning disabilities to volunteer. It now supports hundreds of people across Dorset to participate in volunteering, social events, days out, activities and training. Volunteer mentors play a vital role supporting people with learning disabilities to participate confidently, learn new skills and become more independent. 

This empowering exhibit aims to shed light on the immense artistic talent present within this community, allowing their creative voices to be celebrated and appreciated by all. Each photographer individually selected the photos that they wanted exhibited, choosing images that they felt best represented them. This matches with a quote they selected that they felt reflected them, their disability, and their creative journey. 

Local art therapist and photographer Nicky Finney has kindly donated her time and skills to support and enable these budding photographers to achieve these great pictures. Nicky was thrilled to be involved, helping create a kind, create and inclusive photography programme where everyone was able to shine. Nicky commented “Throughout the workshops I was in awe of the participants ability to navigate barriers, both physical and societal, and how they embraced photography using it as a means of communication and self-expression. This exhibition is not only a celebration of their artistic achievements but also serves as a platform for inclusivity and empowerment and I am very proud to have helped them discover these skills.”  

Marie Waterman, CEO of Volunteer Centre Dorset is extremely proud the centre is driving this project, commenting “We are so incredibly proud of the work that has been produced during the photography sessions. The volunteers and mentors have taken this opportunity and used the workshops to build friendships, learn valuable new skills and discover more about their local area. They have worked as individuals and grown as a group, producing really inspiring photographs. We are so pleased that this exhibition will be a platform to celebrate our differences and the value we all have.”  

 Volunteer Centre Dorset will be running more photography workshops in the future, so do get in touch if you are interested by calling 01305 269214.