A powerful photography project and exhibition celebrating the vital role helplines play in offering connection, support and hope will go on display in Liverpool this July.
Developing in the Dark – illuminating stories of support is a portrait photography exhibition originally created to mark Helplines Awareness Day in February 2026 and is now in its second showing. The exhibition will be housed in the stunning Atrium of Liverpool Central Library, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW
The project, a collaboration between Rachel Brewster-Wright from Baltic Creative Tenant Little Vintage Photography and Helplines Partnership, the membership body for helpline charities, features striking portraits and personal reflections from people whose lives have been touched or transformed by a helpline. Each portrait will highlight the life-changing difference that reaching out for support can make.
The exhibition is free and open to anyone. Walk-in public viewing is from 6 – 17 July 2026 | 9am – 8pm weekdays | 9am – 5pm Saturday. All are welcome.
Helplines Partnership and Little Vintage Photography would also like to invite the people of Liverpool and surrounding areas to a special viewing on Thursday 9 July 2026 from 2pm – 3pm, where the team behind the project will be on hand to guide you through the exhibition. The event is free but please register here.
Developing in the Dark is an analogue film photography project that reflects a deliberately slower, more intentional medium. Analogue film photography requires patience, presence and care – the same qualities that define every helpline conversation.
Gemma Khairi, Operations Director at Helplines Partnership, said: “Helplines are often the first point of contact for people facing their darkest moments – offering a listening ear, compassionate support, and vital guidance when it matters most. This exhibition beautifully captures the human connection that happens during those conversations and the real, lasting impact they can have on people’s lives. Through these powerful portraits and personal stories, we hope to shine a light on both the courage it takes to reach out for help and the transformative support that helplines provide every single day. It’s not just a photography project. It’s proof that helplines save lives.”
Rachel Brewster-Wright, photographer and owner of Little Vintage Photography, said: “In the age of AI, it’s been a privilege to work on such a special project, slowing down the process by shooting with film and using physical darkroom prints to bring these stories of human connection to life in a completely unique and beautifully imperfect way.”
Update…
The Developing in the Dark exhibition by photographer Rachael Brewster of Little Vintage Photography in partnership with Helplines Partnership and with support of the Baltic Creative CIC community has now been nominated for Breakthrough of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. Being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for them at the awards ceremony on September 11th.
