Case Studies – Durham Pathways

Photography workshops for individuals with Complex Needs

Luminary have been working with Durham Pathways service users for over three years, providing accessible photography training and activities to individuals with complex needs. We use specialist equipment and a tailored approach to make photography accessible, helping participants to independently create images. We take participants on field trips, where they create images and they make portraits of family and friends back at the Pathways centres. The photographs below were self portraits created by service users and presented as part of an exhibition held at Durham Pathways Pity Me site.

This project is supported by funding from Point North and we are continuing our work with Pathways thanks to further funding from them.

Employability Training and Support

Creative employability Support and Training for Autistic and Neurodivergent Young People

Since 2023, we have been collaborating with organisations such as Durham Enable, the supported employment service of Durham County Council, to assist young people in pursuing creative careers. We provide ongoing tailored training and support, along with opportunities for employment, self-employment, and work placements.

Our beneficiaries receive comprehensive training in all aspects of photography within a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to socialise and connect with others who share similar interests. We work with other organisations to provide holistic support beyond employability, and we also assist young people in progressing into higher and further education.

Since we began, we have successfully supported 20 individuals through this programme. We accept referrals onto this programme from employment services, educational establishments, other community and support organisations and self-referral. If you are interested in attending please contact us at theoffice@luminary.org.uk

Women’s Photography Workshops

Photography Workshops for aspiring female photographers

We delivered 25 workshops exclusively for aspiring women photographers. Despite comprising 70% of graduates from photography courses, women represent only 15% of the UK photography industry. Our workshops aimed to create opportunities for women to engage with and learn photography, participate in photo walks and practical assignments, and explore the significant impact women have had on the world of photography. These workshops were delivered in partnership with Women’s Community Boutique in Sunderland who provided additional support and guidance to the participants.

Sunderland Recovery College

Photography Workshops for individuals with experience of mental health challenges.

We have been collaborating with Sunderland Recovery College since 2023, offering photography workshop programmes to individuals with experience of mental health challenges. We have delivered over 60 workshops at the Recovery College, supporting an average of 10 participants per session. Many of those who have participated in our workshops at the Recovery College go on to attend additional workshops that we run from our main site.

Durham Community Arts

Community Photography Workshops for Mental Heath and Wellbeing

Our Managing Director Simon has been working with Durham Community Arts for 10 years, delivering photography and arts workshops and projects. Luminary have delivered workshops and projects in the community in County Durham, including a series of workshops and community photography project exhibited at St Andrew’s Church in Stanley in March 2025. Luminary have worked with community groups including vulnerable adults, older people, young people and military veterans through its work with Durham Community Arts.

St Luke’s Centre, Pallion, Sunderland

Community Project Documenting the Diversity and Commonalities of a Sunderland Community

Luminary delivered a community photography project in partnership with St Luke’s Centre, Pallion, documenting the diverse groups that use the community centre. Over 3 months we created over 200 individual and group portraits. The portraits were exhibited in a free public exhibition at the Luke’s Centre in Pallion over the first week of September 2025. The exhibition also marks the 150th Anniversary of St Luke’s Church, a centre of the community in Pallion since its consecration in 1874.

Sunderland Culture

Documentation and Delivery for Sunderland City Council’s Culture Organistion

Since 2024, Luminary has worked with Sunderland Culture to deliver a diverse range of creative workshops and programme documentation. Our work spans from co-created exhibitions and photography sessions at Sunderland College to dedicated landscape photography projects. We have delivered still images and videography, printed and framed exhibition prints and supported young people in their artistic journeys. We are proud contributors to the Autonomy project, which has provided creative opportunities for young neurodiverse individuals across the Sunderland area.

Tear Sheets

Sunderland Culture AnnualReport
Sunderland Culture Exhibition