Mindful Photography is a Yorkshire-based social enterprise using photography as a tool for wellbeing, connection and empowerment. Through therapeutic, reflective workshops, founder Rebecca Rowan supports people who feel disconnected, isolated or unheard -often after trauma or major life challenges - offering a gentle, structured way for people to rebuild confidence and reconnect with others.
We spoke to Rebecca about her mission, her personal journey and the impact Mindful Photography is making across the region.
Mission and Day-to-Day Work
“Our mission is simple – slow down, take notice and nurture awareness.”
That principle sits at the heart of Mindful Photography, founded to help people reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Her workshops are grounded in two practices - mindful photography and therapeutic photography - which offer a gentle route out of stress, overwhelm and disconnection, rebuilding the confidence that trauma and isolation have diminished.
“Mindful photography allows our participants to slow down and take notice of their surroundings. Therapeutic photography allows them to nurture some awareness in themselves.”
She is quick to point out that Mindful Photography is not a technical course. “You don’t need formal training, specialist equipment or creative confidence. You don’t even need a camera,” she says. “It’s just about slowing down and taking notice. Visual literacy is the primary sense I’m trying to foster.”
Prioritising Those Who Have Suffered Trauma
Mindful Photography works with communities that have often been failed or overlooked. “Primarily people who are survivors of domestic abuse or some form of abuse, who have caring responsibilities, mental health difficulties, are navigating the justice system or are newcomers to our country,” Rebecca explains.
Much of her work is delivered in partnership with domestic abuse service providers, the probation service and related charities, with a strong emphasis on supporting women and children healing from trauma.
“We have noticed that this population is largely neurodiverse with or without diagnosis,” one reason why Mindful Photography’s sensory, reflective approach resonates so deeply.
She is also committed to supporting frontline workers, who carry emotional burdens of their own. “We think it’s of vital importance to support the staff who are providing the support services. We also recruit advisors and ambassadors who have lived experience to inform our mission and delivery model.”
Origins and Motivation
For Rebecca, Mindful Photography grew out of lived experience. “I am a neurodivergent survivor of abuse,” she says. “Since leaving an abusive relationship I was determined to channel an experience where I felt unheard, unseen and misrepresented by organisations who should have known a lot better. This perpetuated the sufferings of my family and it shouldn’t have been this way.”
Photography had long been her outlet, a private space where she could ground herself and make sense of her life. When she felt “totally disconnected from my world and society,” it became a vital tool. Now she uses the same process to support others who find themselves in similarly fragile places.
Why a Social Enterprise
“Becoming a social enterprise meant that I could apply for project funding which had demonstrated longevity and exposed me to a network of other organisations and individuals.”
The CIC structure also offered the right balance of autonomy and accountability. “I like the flexibility of the CIC over the charity model or CIO (charitable incorporated organisation),” she explains. “The administrative burden of establishing a charity felt overwhelming, particularly with me being neurodiverse. The CIC gave me accountability and structure - and I love that every bit of excess is ploughed back into the social enterprise.”
That reinvestment can be as small and symbolic as it is practical. “I was able to buy some migrant women a hot sandwich one lunchtime. Perhaps the sandwich is the metaphor for just being together and not closing any doors to anybody.”
Impact and Outcomes
Rebecca has witnessed enormous change in the people she supports. “I’ve seen people starting to believe in themselves,” she says. Speaking openly about her own experiences has been key to the trust she builds. “I believe in myself, I believe in my methodology and process, people believe in me and therefore people believe in themselves.”
Mindful Photography is now embedded in programmes across Yorkshire, with councils, researchers and community organisations incorporating the method into their own work. “People are talking about mindful photography in their area, they’re respecting the process and they’re hungry for more.”
A Story of Change
Vicky was referred to Rebecca after escaping an abusive marriage. “We worked together both in person and online, at first just listening, walking and talking,” she says. “She had felt isolated, constantly criticised, as though she was living in a prison, having to hide her distress from her daughter.”
Over time, the change was profound. “Vicky started to see the change in her life. She felt reborn from the ashes of her old life. She now has hope and she is happy. I am still in touch with this wonderful woman who inspired me and other women to use the process of mindful photography to regain their identity.”
Today, Vicky works and refers others to Rebecca, embodying the ambassador role that fuels Mindful Photography’s growth.
Measuring Social Impact
Rebecca uses resilience-based questionnaires to demonstrate progress and provide evidence to funders. But she is equally guided by community-led indicators - participants who return not for support but for celebration, a growing online community of past participants and a steady rise in ambassadors across the region.
“These people are getting things done!” she says proudly.
Contribution to York
Mindful Photography plays an important role in York’s wellbeing landscape. “We know that we reduce the impact of waiting lists in York for mental health and that we play a vital role in reducing social isolation.”
Unlike time-limited statutory programmes, her approach creates ongoing connection. “Clients are given the tools which they can access any time. The important thing is feeling part of an inclusive and non-judgemental community.”
Challenges and Opportunities
The pressure of sustaining the work is constant. “For every grant I go for I only get one out of ten. I am burning out and I can’t afford to take on staff which is how my business can grow, but my accountant has suggested it’s not financially viable due to National Insurance costs.”
Meanwhile, she has excellent partnerships with the NHS, councils and Better Connect but these have taken years to build. “People ask me how I brokered these relationships. I always say tried and tested impact reporting, managing relationships and expectations well – and working very hard!”
Future Vision
“I’d like a sustainable model with secure funding – don’t we all -where people with lived experience are influencing the development and direction and meeting the community demands. Where we have not lost the heart and purpose of what we do.”
She hopes for ambassadors in every area of Yorkshire, genuine partnerships with statutory services and a model that eventually extends beyond the region. “I want to do Yorkshire well, then branch out further.”
Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
“Visualise yourself in five years. What do you want to see for yourself? Meet other people who are doing what you want to do. Get creative and find your true ikigai.” (A Japanese concept referring to what an individual defines as the meaning of their life.)
“Don’t always be attracted by the glossiest and shiniest organisation. Talk to the staff and talk to the beneficiaries. Ask them to mentor you or go and volunteer for them. Finally, work really hard, don’t ever give up - and ring Companies House for advice. They are so approachable. If I can do it, anyone can!”