A powerful new photography project and exhibition will go on display in Liverpool next month to showcase the important role helplines play in providing understanding, care and advice when it’s needed most.
Developing in the Dark – illuminating stories of support is a portrait photography exhibition to mark Helplines Awareness Day, which takes place on Monday 23 February 2026.
The project, a collaboration between Rachel Brewster-Wright from Little Vintage Photography and Helplines Partnership, the membership body for helpline charities, will feature striking portraits and personal reflections from people whose lives have been touch or transformed by a helpline. Each portrait will highlight the life-changing difference that reaching out for support can make.
The exhibition will be held at The Shed, Baltic Creative, 49 Jamaica Street, Liverpool, L1 0AH.
The exhibition is free and open to anyone. Walk-in public viewing is on Monday 23 February 2026 – 9am to 5pm, and Wednesday 25 February 2026 – 9am to 5pm. All are welcome.
Helplines Partnership and Little Vintage Photography would also like to invite the people of Liverpool and surrounding areas to a special evening view on Wednesday 25 February 2026 – 6pm to 8pm. 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.”
