Youth art displayed throughout the community

By Thomas Lee

The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit plans to expand their Photovoice project into the community.

With the Photovoice project completed, the health unit plans to display the photos publicly and use them to connect with youth.

“We are hoping to display the photos throughout the community using youth serving organizations, youth centres, school boards and community centres,” said Jessica Elgie, the youth engagement coordinator for the health unit.

The Photovoice project was open to youth from ages 10 to 24. It was a photography contest created to have youth show whether their community makes it easy or hard for them to be healthy. Topics ranged from smoking, physical activity, mental health and beyond.

This was the first Photovoice project, and the health unit plans to turn it into a long-lasting project. They are planning on using it as a tool to see what issues affect the youth in the area, and develop strategies to help them.

Over 50 photos were submitted for Hastings and Prince Edward counties alone.  Five other health units across eastern Ontario participated in the Photovoice project.