Talented photographer James Hines is focusing on a brighter future – thanks to his own hard work and the dedicated support of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
The 33-year-old struggled with his mental health as a teenager, with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), leaving school without qualifications.
But a move to Whitby several years ago finally brought fresh hope – when he was referred to our Trust during a bipolar episode and finally received the care and support he needed.
“The team tried lots of different approaches and medications, and really listened to me. They were so helpful, so supportive, which helped me come out of myself a lot more,” said James.
Now, with the help of employment advisor Tim Draper, through TEWV’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, James is set for success as a photographer and YouTuber.
The service supports adults who have severe mental health difficulties into paid employment, with dedicated advisors such as Tim providing advice, interview coaching and unlimited in-work support.
The IPS has supported almost 2,000 people since its launch in 2019, with over 800 of those going into paid employment – including James.
Indeed, James’s video drone work has already been showcased on national TV, and he has just completed a prestigious project for the North York Moors National Park Authority (NPA).
“Photography is my therapy, that is why I love it so much. It is instrumental to my personal wellbeing. Problems really seem to disappear when I have got a camera in my hand,” said James.
“It is a very mindful exercise. It gives purpose to be outside and you have to be very in the moment and present and be quiet in your head, otherwise your photos don’t work out very well.
“I just get my camera, forget myself and get lost in the composition. Everything else just disappears as you find ‘the’ shot. It really does add purpose and joy to the day.”
Photography as a healing therapy
James was born in Scarborough and grew up in Bridlington. Throughout his teens his ADHD was unmedicated – proving “quite a challenge” during his most important years at school.
Despite leaving without exams, however, James was determined make his life a success – first going to college to re-take his GCSEs, then completing an access to university diploma.
After this he secured a place at university but, when “the stress became too much”, James suffered from periods of depression and manic episodes in his second year and ended up leaving.
It was at this point he decided to take up a hobby to help his mental health and wellbeing – eventually opting for photography, as he had always been interested in taking photos.
“There’s nothing better for mental health than being in the present moment. I struggle to meditate and be mindful in the traditional sense, but photography is my key into the now,” said James.
“When the camera is in my hand, I am very present and focused on the here and now. All my troubles of the past, and worries for the future, don’t exist.”
Despite James’s dedication to photography, he continued to struggle with his mental health – finding himself withdrawing from society and “struggling in the most basic of environments”.
Since moving to Whitby, however, he has flourished under the care of TEWV – and the expert guidance of Tim, who has encouraged him to follow his dreams of turning a hobby into a real career.
In the past few months James’s work has been shown on TV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, and his photo of the Humber Bridge features in the Yorkshire Cancer Research Calendar.
A focus on summer challenges
James has also spent the summer taking pictures of villages in and around the North York Moors, after winning the tender for a project to showcase the unique area for the National Park Authority.
“This summer was tough. First, I got Covid, then I was bitten by a tick and needed antibiotics. Just as I felt better once more, one of my friends passed away, which was very difficult,” he said.
“But having this contract with the Park Authority really helped me. It was filled with the opportunity to explore different locations and the chance to go out and be mindful in beautiful places.
“Having Tim there to keep encouraging me has definitely made a real difference and has played an instrumental part in my journey and wellbeing. He helped me find the courage to follow my dream.
“Tim always said it was all me, and that he was only there to guide me, but I always knew his belief in me was a real game changer. Having somebody there with words of support and wisdom is something special. If you are offered this service, go for it. It changed my life.”
James’s plans for the future include working with clients who have photography and videography needs and, just recently, he completed a photographic shoot at a Yorkshire hotel and restaurant.
He has also started his own YouTube channel too, combining photography tips with insights into mental health issues. His videos have already attracted a following of hundreds of viewers.
“YouTube is a whole new level for me. I’m not only sharing some of my ideas for taking good photos, but also talking about how photography can help your mental health,” he said.
“I just like to document the whole process really, as I feel it is quite beneficial for myself and other people. I was inspired by a video to get out and take photos and would like to inspire others too.”
Tim is delighted by the progress James has made so far – having seen his business flourish from selling work online to being featured on national TV and in regional campaigns.
“He’s gone from being an unemployed hobbyist to a professional photographer, who now has a portfolio of work that’s going to be used across the region,” said Tim.
“I couldn’t be happier for him and wish him every success for the future.”
· To see more of James’s work, check out
www.YouTube.com/c/jameshinesphoto
