A PHOTOGRAPHY course in West Dunbartonshire is helping to combat social isolation in the area.

Picturing Our Past, which was organised by Neighbourhood Networks and Inclusive Images, is the culmination of an eight-week project to help those living in deprived areas and those living with additional support needs, engaged with their local heritage and culture as well as tying it in with national culture.

Photos taken by attendees at different historical sites across West Dunbartonshire were displayed at the Awestruck Academy in Clydebank, with those who completed the course taking part in a graduation celebration.

Local MSP Marie McNair was also in attendance to hand out the certificates.

(Image: Newsquest) Neighbourhood Networks is a charity that supports vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues.

Dawn Hunter, network manager for the organisation, opened up on the importance of the event.

She said: "We were approached by Inclusive Images to see if we would want to get on board.

"Our role is to encourage and enable people who use our service to develop their skills.

"They were out in all weathers taking the photos and it is really rewarding for them to see the pictures displayed.

"It has helped combat social isolation which is really important. We hope to do similar things in the future.

"We would also like to thank Dominos and Iceland for providing food for the occasion."

(Image: Allan Rutherford) The project is made possible by support from Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland.

READ MORE: 'This story stuns people' - Jesus Christ Superstar returns to stage

One of its aims is to connect those who are vulnerable in West Dunbartonshire and help service users make friends.

Charlie Eleftheriades-Sherry, founder of social enterprise Inclusive Images, feels the last two months have made a difference to the lives of the attendees.

"It has really helped those involved to build confidence and develop their people skills," he said.

(Image: Newsquest) "Although there is the end product of the exhibition for the participant's photography, the primary purpose is to help the service users confidence and get them into a positive social environment where we can help them grow friendships." 

The attendees also opened up on how much they have enjoyed the process.

(Image: Newsquest) Lynne Crombie said: "It has been great to see our pictures presented.

"The process of learning to take photographs has been a lot of fun and the history aspect has been really interesting.

"This course has also given me a lot of confidence and we have all come together as a team.

"Everyone has been really supportive and it has been life-changing for me."

(Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, Alexander Kerr, 25, said: "It has been great to learn photography skills over the last eight weeks and find out some local and national history.

"I have really enjoyed taking part in this course and it has been really fun.

"It has been nice to socialise."

(Image: Newsquest) Stephanie Callaghan added: "It has been great to recognise everyone’s hard work.

"It has been a lot of fun. Everyone is really kind, and it is a nice environment."