“I try to bring brightness and joy into people’s lives”
Award-winning photographer Tony Fisher has shared some of the benefits he feels by supporting NHS organisations and other community groups in improving their services.
Tony is an “expert by experience” with Derbyshire group Mental Health Together, which aims to use the voices of lived experience to shape and improve mental health services.
He is also involved in many other groups locally and nationally and is currently on an advisory panel for Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust.
Tony, who lives near Alfreton, says: “I’ve been involved in so many groups over the years. They change as the funding comes and goes, but I see the world as my community and I’m always looking for new projects and ways to help.
“My motivation is to bring brightness and joy into people’s lives.
“I have a thirst for knowledge and to find new ways of doing things. I connect with people through my work and I try to work against isolation.
“That is what we share through the Mental Health Together group – the connections we make and the experiences we bring.”
Tony was affected by PTSD and depression around 20 years ago after the deaths of his wife and both parents within a year.
He gradually recovered through his focus on photography and art.
Tony is currently working with the University of Derby on a community allotment project for young people, advising them on outdoor art forms including sculpture, photography and decorative objects.
He has an exhibition on currently on floor 4 of the Royal Derby Hospital, in conjunction with Air Arts, on the theme of “belong” (pictured, with Tony, above).
Previously he worked with Derbyshire County Council’s suicide prevention team to promote its “chat benches”, which offer the opportunity for people to sit down and strike up friendships.
Tony’s photography capturing the isolation of people during the covid lockdowns was widely praised and exhibited.
Tony has been given a lifetime achievement award by the Royal Photographic Society and in October this year he was given the Bill Pringle award by the national charity Rethink – for the second time.
He also writes poetry and has made films.
Tony adds: “I try to encourage people to get involved and contribute. I want to try to help people to grow.”
Tony’s has two websites of his work and latest exhibitions: Tony Fisher Photography, and Tony Fisher’s portfolio.
One example chosen by Tony is: “The Deer Shelter Skyspace, which creates a place of contemplation and revelation, harnessing the changing light of the Yorkshire sky.”
