Creative health through pinhole photography

North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC)

Supported by North London NHS Foundation Trust

Expanding community participation in the arts is at the heart of what Pinhole London does. Supported by the NLFC Meaningful Activity Grant, we delivered a programme of pinhole photography workshops throughout 2025 in Enfield and Islington, working closely with NLFC’s clinical teams and service users.

Participants explored analogue photography using handmade cameras made from recycled materials, then developed their images in an on-site darkroom. Each session was adapted to individual needs, encouraging creative expression and building the confidence of people with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs, including those initially reluctant to take part.

More than 100 unique pinhole photographs were created across 10 sessions, bringing moments of joy and achievement and demonstrating the value of accessible, hands-on arts activities in recovery-focused care.

We’re delighted to have been recommissioned by NLFC to deliver a new programme of workshops in 2026.