How photographing Yorkshire's beautiful scenery helped brave James overcome mental health turmoil

Mr Hines, 33, has long struggled with his mental health problems, which began as a teenager.

For years he lived with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - but says things changed for him when he moved to Whitby.

After suffering a manic episode he was referred to Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, where he finally was diagnosed and received care and support.

Mr Hines said: “The team tried lots of different approaches and medications, and really listened to me. They were so helpful, so supportive, which helped me come out of myself a lot more.

Tim Draper, employment adviser at The Trust helped him discover a passion for photography through a support placement service, and he has now gone on to have his video drone work showcased on television, as well as doing work for the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Mr Hines said: “Photography is my therapy, that is why I love it so much. It is instrumental to my personal wellbeing. Problems really seem to disappear when I have got a camera in my hand.

“It is a very mindful exercise. It gives purpose to be outside and you have to be very in the moment and present and be quiet in your head, otherwise your photos don't work out very well.

“I just get my camera, forget myself and get lost in the composition. Everything else just disappears as you find ‘the’ shot. It really does add purpose and joy to the day.

"Having Tim there to keep encouraging me has definitely made a real difference and has played an instrumental part in my journey and wellbeing. He helped me find the courage to follow my dream.

“Tim always said it was all me, and that he was only there to guide me, but I always knew his belief in me was a real game changer. Having somebody there with words of support and wisdom is something special. If you are offered this service, go for it. It changed my life.”

In the past few months Mr Hines’ work has been shown on TV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, and his photo of the Humber Bridge features in the Yorkshire Cancer Research Calendar.

Mr Hines also spent the summer taking pictures of villages in and around the North York Moors, after winning the tender for a project to showcase the unique area for the National Park Authority.

While Mr Hines is still facing a difficult time with his mental health, he is full of hope for the future.

“There’s nothing better for mental health than being in the present moment. I struggle to meditate and be mindful in the traditional sense, but photography is my key into the now,” he said.

“When the camera is in my hand, I am very present and focused on the here and now. All my troubles of the past, and worries for the future, don't exist.”