Wednesday 11 November 2026 | 4pm–6pm
Hyatt Regency Manchester – Burgess Room

A powerful photography exhibition revealing the personal stories behind helpline calls is coming to Manchester – with the Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, and the Mayor of Bolton in attendance.

Developing in the Dark, created by the Helplines Partnership with photographer Rachel Brewster-Wright of Little Vintage Photography, features portraits of people whose lives have been touched, impacted or changed by a helpline.

Each photograph is accompanied by the person’s own words, offering an intimate insight into why they reached out for support and the difference that call made.
The exhibition takes its name from the experience of making a helpline call during a dark or difficult moment. Like a photograph gradually emerging in a darkroom, the stories bring often unseen experiences into the light.

Originally launched in Liverpool on Helplines Awareness Day 2026, the project has since attracted national recognition, including being shortlisted for a Third Sector Award, and is now travelling across the UK.

One participant said: “I found taking part in the project extremely validating and rewarding. I was keen to use this opportunity as a platform to express my gratitude to those who have supported me through challenging times, as well as hopefully encourage others to seek support if they need it.”