(in)Visible Project

Revealing the invisible realities of youth mental health through powerful photography

Meet the artist: Theo Moye

The (in)Visible project began with a simple yet profound observation: mental health struggles are everywhere, yet the way we visualise them rarely captures their true complexity. Local photographer Theo Moye recognised this gap and decided to do something about it.
Inspired by a call in a charity newsletter challenging photographers to rethink how mental health is visually represented, Theo drew from his own lived experience with anxiety to embark on what would become a transformative collaborative journey. He understood firsthand that the familiar ‘head in hands’ image, while widely recognised, falls short of conveying the internal realities of conditions like anxiety and depression.

What began as a solo artistic exploration quickly evolved into something far more meaningful. Theo partnered with Action East Devon’s Headlight groups in Ottery St Mary, Axminster, and Seaton, working alongside young people aged 11-25 to co-create images that authentically reflect their personal experiences of mental health.

“While the ‘head in hands’ image depicting mental health challenges is widely recognised, it often fails to convey the internal realities of conditions like anxiety or depression. Mental health issues are deeply personal and often invisible. The standard imagery often doesn’t show what’s really going on inside.”

By bringing both his technical photography skills and his lived experience to the project, Theo created a safe, collaborative space where young people could express what’s truly going on inside. The result is a collection of powerful, authentic visuals that move beyond stereotypes and honour the individual nature of mental wellbeing.

*“It was definitely the biggest, and most powerful, and the most meaningful thing that I’ve done to express my experience of mental health. It just felt really powerful and really good.”*

Young People’s Stories

At the heart of (in)Visible are the brave young people from Headlight peer support groups who opened up about their mental health experiences and co-created these powerful images. These aren’t photographs taken of them—they’re photographs created with them, ensuring each image authentically represents their personal journey.

Through Headlight’s safe, non-judgmental spaces, young people experiencing emotional and mental health issues come together to build healthy relationships, establish support networks, and learn coping strategies. The (in)Visible project gave them a new avenue for expression—one that goes beyond words to capture the complexity of their internal worlds.

Why this Matters

These images challenge us to see mental health differently. They reveal that behind every young person struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges is a unique, complex story that can’t be captured in a single stereotypical image. By participating in this project, these young people haven’t just created art—they’ve helped change the conversation around youth mental health.

Experience the Images

Watch the powerful collection of images from the (in)Visible project. Each photograph offers a window into the real, varied, and deeply personal nature of mental health challenges faced by young people.

Visit the East Devon Exhibitions

2025

2026

Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre May 22-June 26
Axminster Library June 30-July 25
Exeter Central Library August 04-29
Ottery St Mary Library September 01-27
Honiton Library September 29-October 24
Sidmouth Library October 27-November 14
Seaton Library November 17-28

Exmouth Library January 12 – February 13
Cass Arts Bristol February 16 – January 03

Accessible for All: We’re committed to making these powerful stories accessible to everyone. All exhibitions feature recorded audio descriptions available by scanning a QR code next to each photograph, ensuring visitors with visual impairments can fully experience the project.

Own the Collection: The (in)Visible Photo Book

Every young person who participated in this project received their own copy of the (in)Visible photo book—a beautiful, tangible celebration of their courage and creativity. This wasn’t just a keepsake; it was an acknowledgment of their voices and their contribution to changing how we see mental health.

The photo book brings together all the powerful images from the project, offering a complete visual journey through the diverse experiences of mental health as seen through young people’s eyes. It’s a resource for understanding, a conversation starter, and a testament to the strength it takes to make the invisible visible.

We have a limited number of photo books available to purchase. Each book costs just £8, including postage to anywhere in the UK—and 100% of every sale goes directly to supporting Headlight’s vital work with young people facing mental health challenges.

Purchase the Photo Book

Your purchase is a donation that directly funds Headlight’s peer support groups, helping more young people access the safe spaces and support they need.

Take home the complete collection of thought-provoking images
Support young people’s mental health services in East Devon
Start meaningful conversations about mental health
A thoughtful gift for educators, counselors, or anyone passionate about youth wellbeing

“Theo has brought both his photography skills and his lived experience to enable the young people we work with to express what is going on for them. It has been a powerful project, and we are looking forward to displaying their images to a wider audience.”
Chris Botham, Action East Devon Chair