A photography exhibition which premieres tonight will give people a rare glimpse into the lives of mental health patients.

The exhibit, called 'Photo VoiceCan you hear me now?' at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall, features works from 12 patients of Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) who were taught to use photography to express themselves.

Calvin Richardson, one of the MWI clients featured, composed three pictures highlighting his experience with drugs and alcohol one depicts empty bottles on the ground, another some graffiti.

Under the pictures he wrote: "After several years of being prodigal with time, I am just now trying to make something positive with my life."

MWI client Dennis Decosta was inspired by old memories– he photographed a statue and commented: "It reminded me of my little girl growing up, she has long hair like that."

Most of the photographs will be on sale from tonight until November 4. Visitors to the exhibit will also get to vote for their favourite photo; the winning photographer will get a new camera to continue developing their skills.

MWI clients spent 10 to 12 weeks from March onwards learning about photography from professionals Tamell Simons of The Royal Gazette and Neville Trott of the Department of Communications and Information.

Both photographers volunteered hours of their spare time to the cause and in return built strong bonds with the MWI clients.

Client Bradley Simmons said of his experience: "Tamell was great, he was a real lift to my spirit. He reminded me of when I was younger and the amount of energy that I used to have. It was nice to be around someone like that again".

According to occupational therapist Teresa Law, the project at MWI was inspired by other initiatives going on in the United States and will give mentally ill patients a voice. She said: "It is hugely important. We are sometimes not listened to and heard and it's a way of getting people's attention because the idea is different, it's new, it's fresh."

Since the beginning of the year, community groups have come forward to help with the project. After a media appeal in January, 20 second-hand cameras were donated to the project, then in February The Argus Group came forward with 30 new cameras. Pembroke Rotary Club donated $4,300 in June to cover the cost of 50 photos on canvas and ColourLab gave the group a discounted rate for their print outs.

Occupational therapist Jennifer Wosminity says she has seen many clients benefit from the programme many built confidence, learnt to work as a team and showed improved self-esteem during the 12 weeks course. Yesterday Ms Wosminity said she was "excited" and "proud" to see the client's works finally on display and added: "I hope it opens people's minds to not only the challenges associated with mental illness but also the strengths the clients have. Maybe also decreasing the stigma that mental illness patients should be pitied or feared, and focusing on their strengths, which is what keeps people well and balanced."

All works will be exhibited starting tomorrow at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall.