Exploring the world, capturing the moments and sharing the journey.
Giving Back
Volunteering, Charity Work & Supporting the Veteran Community
Making a Difference, Wherever I Can
Having experienced my own challenges with PTSD following military service, I understand just how important it is to have people and organisations you can turn to when life becomes difficult.
The support I've received throughout my own journey has made a lasting difference, and it's something that has inspired me to give back wherever I can.
Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to contribute my time, photography and digital skills to organisations and initiatives dedicated to supporting military veterans, promoting mental health awareness and creating welcoming spaces for those who need them.
Tommy's Lounge | Sep 2022 | Canon Eos 40D | 18mm | 1/60 | f/3.5 | ISO 640
Supporting Veterans Through Photography and Creativity
I've volunteered my photography services for Tommy's Lounge, a veteran-owned and operated safe space based in Huddersfield, and Tommy's Voice, a charity supporting military veterans.
My involvement has allowed me to use photography to support their work, helping capture the people, events and sense of community that make these initiatives so valuable.
Previously, I also volunteered with Behind the Heroes, the initiative that preceded Tommy's Lounge.
My contributions included website management, photography and the creation of a series of self-support videos designed to offer guidance and encouragement to veterans facing their own challenges.
It's rewarding to know that skills developed through my personal interests can also be used to support causes that mean a great deal to me.
Tommy's Lounge. | Sep 2022 | Canon EOS 40D | 27mm | 1/60 | f/4.0 | ISO 2000
Continuing to Give Back
Beyond these organisations, I've also supported the wider veteran community by helping manage Facebook groups and pages, providing photography, assisting with online communities and offering practical support wherever possible.
As someone who lives with PTSD, mental health awareness remains particularly close to my heart.
I'm passionate about encouraging open conversations, challenging the stigma that can surround mental health and reminding people that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
I continue to offer my time and skills to different organisations and causes whenever I'm able, particularly those supporting veterans and people facing mental health challenges.
For me, volunteering isn't about recognition. It's about being able to make a difference, however small, and helping ensure that others know they don't have to face their difficulties alone.
RSM M. Riley MBE. | Sep 2022 | Canon EOS 40D | 30mm | 1/60 | 4/4.5 | ISO 200
A Little Support Can Go a Long Way
Sometimes, making a difference doesn't require a grand gesture. It can be as simple as offering your time, sharing a skill, listening to someone or helping them find the support they need.
I know from personal experience how much those acts of kindness can mean.
And if my photography, creativity or personal experiences can help make someone else's journey a little easier, then that is time very well spent.
One Life. Countless Moments. Endless Perspectives.
Capturing moments. Sharing experiences. Making a difference.
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One Life. Countless Moments. Endless Perspectives.
Learning photography and videography as part of my recovery from PTSD.
© Simon Garland-Lo · Photography & Film