Kicking Off 2024 – HOPE – FX Photoshoot

Since October 2023 members of the Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) team have been working with a small group of ten individuals on the HOPE-FX project. On a weekly basis participants, who are recovering from mental health conditions, have been taking part, learning, trying out new skills and unleashing their creative ideas to come up with their own capsule t-shirt collection.

Research clearly shows that engaging in creative activities can boost mental health and well being and as the FEL team have seen, the HOPE-FX participants are already growing in confidence. Working with North London Mental Health Partnership for the project, the group recently, (5th January) took part in a studio photoshoot with their t-shirts being modelled by professionals.

FEL founder Jenny Holloway commented: “A big thank-you to Norv and Josie from The Bureau, for last week’s HOPE-FX photoshoot – the shots look awesome! The HOPE-FX project brings true fashion and creativity into mental health and wellbeing. This is a new way forward in mental health today – this integration with skills and business giving people a purpose and providing HOPE – works.

“This would not have been possible without Sir Norman Lamb Jinjer Kandola MBE and Dr Nina Browne. The caseworkers and supporters from Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, together they are the North London Mental Health Partnership, have all worked as one to make the project work! Along with members of the FEL team – Beth Davy-Day and Ana Cover and top notch printing from Kornit Digital. 

“Now we wait for the professionals to edit the photos and we’re ready to go to the next stage. Can’t wait! Zac Holloway HOPE-FX was your idea – be proud X.” 

Next the group will work on their stitching skills to personalise their designs along with further learning on business and merchandising. The project will culminate with a launch party in FEL’s shop – FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, and there will be ongoing opportunities for those that wanting to continue down the fashion path.