Kent Nature Photo Competition launched to help bring calm and hope to people in crisis 

Today, we are asking people of all ages across Kent and Medway to take part in a new photo competition to help bring peace, colour, and nature into a special garden being built for people who are going through a mental health crisis. 

The Kent Nature Photo Competition is open to everyone - whether you're a professional or amateur photographer, young or old, or someone who just loves taking photos on a walk. 

The winning photos will be printed and displayed on the inside of the fencing around the two gardens at our new Health-Based Place of Safety (HBPoS) facility. 

This new facility will offer care and support to people in crisis, providing a safe and therapeutic environment when it's needed most. Construction in now underway, with the opening planned for Spring 2026. 

"We want to surround people with photos that bring peace and comfort", said Graham Blackman, Deputy Director of Acute Mental Health Services. "When someone is in crisis, little things can make a big difference, like a kind word, a calm space, or a peaceful image. This project helps create that and we want our community to help us do it." 

About the Kent Nature Photo Competition

We're asking people to take photos that reflect Kent or Medway in one or more of the following ways:

• Nature and the changing seasons
• Calm and peaceful places 
• Hope and warmth 

We want the photos to help people feel calm, safe and connected. You don't need to be a professional, anyone can take part. Whether it's with a camera or your phone, we'd love to see what you can capture. 

How to enter 

• Deadline: Monday 8 September 2025
• Submission email: Email your photos to: kmpt.communications@nhs.net 
• File type: JPEG (300 DPI or higher)
• Number of entries: You can send up to 3 photos 
• Requirements: Include your name, photo title or caption, and where you took the photo
• Terms and conditions apply

A panel made up of staff and people who use our services will choose the winning photos. All winners will be invited to celebrate when the gardens open. You'll also get credit for your photo on the panel. 

"This isn't just about making the gardens look nice," added Graham. "It's about making people feel safe, respected, and not alone. Your photo could really help someone feel better."

This project is part of a bigger plan to create healing spaces that support people's dignity, recovery and well-being. We also hope it helps start more open conversations about mental health across our communities.