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Newy photographer uses his art to make a difference

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A Newcastle photographer is using his art to help himself and others to be better and have good mental health, while raising awareness about suicide prevention.

Matt Richards accidently got into it less than two years ago after buying a new phone.

He started taking photos of Lake Macquarie and of the Hunter’s beaches and ocean baths.

Friends then encouraged him to take more snaps.

After buying a camera and a drone, his hobby’s developed into a side social enterprise.

But, Mr Richards has gone through his own challenges and struggles over recent years.

The father-of-two went through a divorce, his mum died unexpectedly and he lost his best mate to suicide.

“I’ve worked hard on myself over the past three years,” he explained.

“And, with the benefit of a great support network, I have come out the other side.

“The photography has helped me, too.

“I want to use it to get people talking about mental health and to spread the message that, with the right support, people can overcome challenges.

“For people contemplating suicide, there is hope.”

The photographer works with Mitch Revs Gallery, from which he sells prints of his work, which said has given him tremendous support to hone his craft.

However, his photography is about his connection to the photo and to community, rather than a business.

It’s not his only tool either.

In his coaching of community sport and through his weekly Instagram Live podcast, he promotes positivity and good mental health.

Last year Mr Richards had the idea to raffle one of his prints to raise funds for Lifeline Hunter.

Hoping to accumulate $1,000, he amassed $10,000.

Now, he wants his raffle to be an annual Mental Health Month event.

In October, he’s offering an oak timber framed print of a photo he took of Newcastle from the water.

“I have a fascination with the ocean and this picture is of the water wrapping itself around the city,” he said.

“To me, this photo symbolises how as a community, we have worked together and got behind each other to get through the challenges of the COVID pandemic and come out the other side.”

Mr Richards has chosen to support Lifeline because it is a vital support for so many.

“Not everyone has their own support network and Lifeline is always there for anyone who is struggling or in crisis,” he added.

“I was amazed to find out how much they rely on community support and donations to run their services locally.”

Tickets in the raffle are $10 each.

There are discounts for multiple purchases.

To buy tickets visit https://rafflelink.com.au/bbtyg2g2021

Links are on Mr Richard’s website www.bebetterthanyesterday.online and Instagram account @bebetterthanyesterday, as well as Lifeline Hunter’s Facebook page.

The raffle closes 31 October.

Mr Richards will also donate $100 from the sale of each of his A1 prints to Lifeline Hunter, one of Australia’s leading suicide prevention and crisis support networks.

Local Lifeline support

Telephone: 13 11 14 (24 hours)

Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight)

Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight)

Counselling appointment bookings: 1300 152 854

www.lifelinehunter.org.au

If this story causes issues for you or you need crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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