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The Heart Behind the Lens: Margaret Cooke's MindWise Journey

Thu, 11 - January - 2024

The Heart Behind the Lens: Margaret Cooke's MindWise Journey

𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Meet Margaret Cooke, a remarkable volunteer who has graced MindWise with her presence for a remarkable three years and counting. Her volunteering journey wasn't merely a choice; it was a calling to share skills, stand alongside individuals, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
As retirement approached, Margaret recognised the universal need for volunteers across various facets of life. Inspired by personal connections with those finding support in organisations like The Samaritans, she felt privileged to join the MindWise community as a volunteer.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿
Margaret finds joy in the dynamic and ever-changing nature of her volunteer days. From engaging with clients to introducing the joy of photography and crafting, her impact is both heartwarming and diverse. Amidst the laughter, there's the occasional adventure of navigating a pool table or engaging in a friendly game of table tennis.
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆
Margaret's passion for photography is evident in her most recent project involving MindWise Ballyclare and Carrickfergus groups. "I wanted to capture the stories behind cherished items," Margaret explains. "The clients' responses have been nothing short of incredible, as they share the profound meaning these objects hold for them".
𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
The culmination of Margaret's efforts manifests in a beautifully crafted photobook. Collaborating closely with clients, she ensures each page tells a story. "The photobook, with covers chosen by the clients themselves, includes write-ups to accompany the photographs," Margaret explains. The tangible result celebrates memories and invites further additions, embodying the spirit of shared experiences.
𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Margaret's aspirations reach beyond the pages of the photobook. She envisions an exhibition, a collective showcasing of these powerful stories. "It's about sharing, connecting, and breaking down the stigma around mental health".
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆
Margaret Cooke's journey with MindWise is an inspiring tale of compassion, creativity, and community. As her story unfolds, we hope it can serve as an inspiration for others to contribute their skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Discover the joy of volunteering with MindWise, where every day brings new stories, shared experiences, and a sense of purpose: Find out more here 

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