'Photography saved my life, now I use it to help others'

7 hours ago

Vanessa PearceWest Midlands

News image — Neil J Catley said photography helped his mental health

Neil J Catley A black and white image of Neil Catley. He has and beard and short dark hair and is holding a camera up to a mirror to take a photograph. He is wearing a grey zipped top with stripes down the arms. — Neil J Catley said photography helped his mental health

A photographer who founded a group to support people living with mental ill health credits the hobby with saving his life.

Neil J Catley, from Coventry, has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, autism and dyslexia, and helps others through his group Confidence Through Photography.

He has also self-published a book, which he said was created during a "mental health crisis".

"I needed something to focus on," he said.

"I'd always wanted to release a book but never had the confidence, so I decided to push myself and see where it went.

"I have a huge passion for the streets of Coventry and capturing them in my own way," he added.

Neil J Catley An image of the former Litten Tree pub and Bull Yard in Coventry city centre. — The Coventry photographer said he liked to capture images of the city

Neil J Catley A black and white image of the entry to Coventry's canal basin sits next to one of Bailey Lane — The book was produced "during a mental health crisis"

He set up the group eight years ago after failing to find appropriate help elsewhere.

"Photography saved my life.

"I found that the health services were not good, and the group could be beneficial for me and other people," he said, "especially helping them to get out and about."

Neil J Catley An image of Coventry City Centre with a worker dressed in high-vis clothing sitting in the foreground and the lights of a vehicle seen drawn across the image — Catley set up the Confidence Through Photography group to help others

"I've been ill since I was 15 with my mental health," said the 37-year-old.

"I was agoraphobic for five years, but my mum got me a camera, and it helped with my anxiety - I was having really bad panic attacks.

There had been a drop in attendance in the group after the coronavirus pandemic, he explained, "but we're trying to build it up now, as a social event".

"We're getting a good amount of people coming in," said the photographer, who also enjoys teaching the craft.