A PHOTOGRAPHER is using her creative skills to help with her mental health.
Nicola Webster, of Maple Crescent, Leigh has battled with anxiety since she went to primary school.
Although she felt better when she studied art and design at Wigan and Leigh College, her mental health deteriorated after she left her University of Bolton photography degree course in 2017.
Although Nicola found work in different jobs she was not able to find a role that she liked doing.
But with support from the Jobcentre Plus outlet on Windermere Road, the former Bedford High School pupil set up her own business, NL Webster Photography in March.
And this has given her a more positive outlook on life.
A robin that Nicola caught on camera in the hides at Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh
Nicola, 24, said: "I have always suffered from anxiety from a young age back when I used to get bullied in primary school.
Art has always been a healer though - I am a very creative person and all my energy goes into my photography now.
"When someone says they like a picture I have taken it gives me satisfaction and makes me feel better knowing that someone appreciates my work.
"When I have my camera in my hand I feel like a different person."
Nicola covers a range of photography such as weddings, music festivals and wildlife.
The next event she will be covering is music festival Rockstock in Stockport on Saturday, May 25.
Bootleg Blondie performing at The Old Courts in Wigan
Tribute act Whitesnake UK on stage at The Old Courts in Wigan
Throughout May it is Mental Health Awareness Month.
And Nicola says that opening up about her feelings to others that have suffered with their mental health has been helpful for her.
"I can relate to people who suffer from mental health issues," Nicola said.
"I can understand how they are feeling and they understand how I am feeling."
Nicola is also urging people to follow a career that they enjoy doing.
She added: "I think it is important to do something that you are passionate about.
"It makes you feel so much better in yourself."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here