Hampshire Photographer’s #booktogive Campaign

Mental Health has received a huge amount of coverage over recent years but there is still a long way to go until we are supporting everyone who needs help.

Tonic Music is a wonderful Charity based in Portsmouth on the South Coast of England.

Tonic raises Mental Health awareness, challenges stigma and promotes well-being through Music & Arts. Tonic have a proud history and have already helped many isolated and vulnerable people in their community.

Tonic strives for a world where people suffering from mental illness are no longer marginalised. Where people suffering from mental illness have hope, support and the respect they deserve.

Tonic believes that participation in music and the arts can promote and sustain the mental well-being of everyone involved.

There are 2 choirs that they run, the Tonic Ska choir and the Tonic Punk choir. They also run various workshops including vocals, guitar, bass, arts & crafts, creative writing and performance anxiety.

All of these services are provided FREE OF CHARGE which is incredible!!

Tonic raises awareness, run campaigns and promotes their cause at fundraisers, festivals and art-based events. They also perform at these events to showcase the work they do, giving Tonic users the opportunity to perform in a safe and supportive environment.

Their Impact on the Community
By providing opportunities for members of their community to participate in music and the arts, they directly support them on their journey of recovery.

Volunteers Needed
Tonic Music for Mental Health is always looking for more people to join and support their cause.
Please visit www.tonicmusic.co.uk to find out more.

Why Does Being Creative Help Mental Health?
Researchers have found that music releases Dopamine the feel-good chemical in your brain. It also found dopamine was up to 9% higher when volunteers listened to music they enjoyed.

Singing can also be very good on many levels. It helps lower stress, boost immunity and lung-function, enhance memory, improve Mental Health and help you cope with physical and emotional pain.
You don’t need to be good at it to reap the rewards!

Studies also show playing an instrument can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and in turn help with anxiety and depression.

Writing helps organise your thoughts and give meaning to your emotions. In this way writing helps regulate your emotions too.
Creative writing has huge benefits for Mental Health, it has therapeutic benefits that include increased happiness and reduced stress.

All creative projects help put your mind and focus into the present.
This is one of the many reasons I love photography.

After my own struggles with anxiety and depression, I decided I would donate a percentage of every photo shoot to a Mind charity.
Tonic is based in Highland Road, Portsmouth near where I live. They are a free service and rely on donations.
If you would like to donate or get involved do head over to their site.

Giving back is a great way to take the focus off yourself and support someone less fortunate which is why I have created my own campaign #BOOKTOGIVE

It’s easy to support and costs you nothing to share – For every photoshoot or wedding photography booked I give a percentage to Tonic Music.

Every little helps, to give you a few examples a donation of £10.00 pays for 1 place in a workshop, £50.00 would enable Tonic to donate an instrument to someone in need and £500.00 would pay for a choir performance.

I offer Portrait, Wedding, Property and Event photography.

Have you created your own hashtag/campaign or do you donate or volunteer with a charity close to your heart?
I’d love to hear about it.

If you would like to find out more about the services I offer please do get in touch.

 

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