Looking Through a New Lens

NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health and Tonic Arts programmes are proud to present a photographic exhibition of original images created by patients and staff at the Astley Ainslie Hospital, exploring and celebrating the rich and unique green spaces of the hospital grounds.

From June to September 2025 seventeen participants took part in a series of three photography workshops, hosted at the NHS Lothian Smart Centre, and facilitated by fine art photographer and educator Morwenna Kearsley, and photography graduate Haneen Hadiy. Using a previous photography exhibition as an inspirational stepping-off point the participants were invited to explore the hospital grounds equipped only with a camera and their curiosity.

The workshops focussed on creative approaches to spending time outdoors, supporting participants to engage with the hospital green spaces to reduce stress and enhance their health and wellbeing.

Devised and delivered through a collaboration with NHS Lothian Charity Green Health and Tonic Arts, NHS Lothian Smart Centre and LEAP. Its aim was to provide; the learning of photographic techniques and approaches, collective experiences through engagement with other participants, and co-creating an exhibition of new photography to be shared across the hospital, community.

We hope you will enjoy viewing the exhibition as much as the participants have enjoyed creating it…

‘I really look forward to the sessions. Got me out in the grounds and appreciating the colours and gardens in the middle of the city. Made me see the world differently…gave me the freedom to do a hobby and enjoy it. Fantastic! No judgement. Feel a sense of pride in my ability to ground myself and clear my head.’ (LEAP patient)

I had a DSLR camera but stopped carrying it about – so this was a great opportunity to reconnect with it. I enjoyed the access to experts. Now have a different perception of the working environment, I’d never thought of taking pictures of a working space. Even after a long day at work – felt rejuvenated.’ (Staff member)

‘I never really had a hobby. Made me stop talking and gave me time to think. I liked trying out special effects – I want to go to college now to do a course in photography. Really proud of my pictures. I never knew there was so much out there in the grounds.’ (LEAP patient)

‘Never done anything like this before, it wasn’t what I expected. I got totally immersed in taking photos and appreciated the grounds in a way I never had before. Interesting to see how everyone sees the same surroundings so differently’ (Staff member)