North West’s Biggest Photography Competition Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
The North West Year of Health and Wellbeing Partnership is calling on people across the region to get involved in its Life Through The Lens photo challenge.
The competition aims to highlight a set of five simple actions which can improve wellbeing in everyday life: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Scientific evidence shows that incorporating these five ways into your everyday life can help to protect you against mental health issues, which one in four of us will suffer at some point in our lives.
A panel of top UK photographers will judge the entries and there are fantastic prizes up-for-grabs, including a family holiday for four and a Samsung Galaxy phone worth £500.
Mike Farrar, national NHS champion for sport and physical activity and CEO of NHS Confederation, who initiated the campaign, said: “In the current economic climate the simple things like keeping in touch with friends and family and staying active become really important to how we feel about ourselves. We’re launching this competition just ahead of the once in a lifetime London Olympics 2012 and Paralympic Games, because this will be an inspirational time for people to revitalise their approach to feeling good and living well.”
Sue Henry, director of the Year of Health and Wellbeing and organiser of “Life through the Lens” said: “Photography is a fantastic hobby that is fun and easy. We hope this competition will encourage people to get out and about and give the five ways to wellbeing a go. It’s vital we get the message out about building the five ways into your lifestyle, because not only do you feel immediate positive benefits, you can add 7.5 years to your life expectancy.”
To enter the competition, or find out more, go to www.yearofhealthandwellbeing.org.uk
There are the following categories: Schools (both primary and secondary categories), young people (under 18s), adults, camera clubs and People’s Choice (a category determined by most online votes).
The North West Year of Health and Wellbeing partnership, which consists of NHS, Local Government, corporate and charitable partners, was launched in 2011. It has been developed at a time when pressures on health, the environment and the economy are at an all-time high and a radical approach is needed to harness people’s interest to improve their own lives in simple, yet effective ways.
