Patient Louie opens exhibition after turning to photography to help him with his OCD
A patient at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has opened an exhibition of his photos.
Louie has produced a series of images taken in the grounds of Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, after finding that photography has helped with the intrusive thoughts he experiences due to his obsessive compulsive disorder.
He has been supported by occupational therapy team manager Donna Guest and her colleagues who encouraged him to turn his passion for photography into a collection for visitors, carers and staff to enjoy.
The collection has opened at the Resource Centre at Fulbourn Hospital and one of the first people to view it was Gary Waltham, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, during a recent visit. The opening was also attended by Louie’s parents and many of the staff who have supported him.
In a message alongside the images, Louie – who is currently an inpatient at one of the Trust’s mental health wards - writes: “Working with the occupational therapy team, I have found an escape from the dark in my walks in the grounds and taking photos of nature. I am finding my creative spirit again after a long period of negativity. I am starting to bloom.”
Occupational therapists – one of the largest healthcare professional groups - help people of all ages overcome physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges.
Their goal is to help individuals independently participate in everyday activities - referred to as "occupations" -such as working or leisure pursuits.
In occupational therapy, occupations are the everyday activities people need, want, or are expected to do - such as self-care, work, and leisure - which give their lives meaning and structure. For individuals with OCD, engaging in these activities is important because it can reduce anxiety and time spent on their compulsions and helps restore routine, independence, and their sense of identity.
Donna said: “Louie’s work is fantastic and the feedback he has received, and the reception his pictures have got, will only encourage him further.
“For him, photography has become much more than a hobby, it is an important tool in helping him manage the intrusive thoughts and compulsions associated with OCD.
“As a meaningful and purposeful occupation, photography provides structure, motivation, and a reason to engage with the world beyond his condition.
“It encourages him to stay present and provides a positive outlet for creativity and self-expression. We all so proud of Louie and the steps he has taken towards his recovery.”
Louie's collection can be viewed by anyone visiting the Resource Centre which also houses the Edge@Fulbourn Cafe.
CPFT provides community physical health services for older people and adults with long term conditions, mental health services, children community services in Peterborough and learning disability services. The Trust is also renowned for its research and development work and in June 2025, CPFT was awarded Teaching Partner status by the University of Cambridge.
Pictured: Louie (back row, second right) at the opening of his collection with Donna Guest (front row, second right) and fellow CPFT colleagues together with Gary Waltham, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (back row, right)
ENDS
For more information contact:
Andy Burrows, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Deputy Head of Communications
E communications@cpft.nhs.uk