The picturesque coastal towns and villages of England and Wales are often romanticised in the media, but for many young people who call these areas home, reality is far from idyllic. A new touring exhibition by documentary photographer Polly Braden sheds light on the stark contrasts between the beauty of the coastline and the bleak conditions faced by 16- to 25-year-olds living there. Through her lens, Braden has captured the resilience and spirit of these young individuals, as well as the socio-economic challenges that shape their lives.
Braden's inspiration for the project began with a landmark Chief Medical Officers' annual report from 2021, which highlighted the significant health disparities prevalent in coastal communities. The report underscored the pressing need to address the root causes of these inequalities and provided the catalyst for Braden to delve deeper into the human stories behind the statistics.
Over time, Braden spent countless hours with the young people at the heart of her project, learning about their daily realities, aspirations, and the environments that shape their experiences. Her photographs not only reveal the deprivation that can characterise some coastal areas but also showcase the remarkable adaptability and determination of those living there.
The exhibition's focus on the younger generation serves as a poignant reminder of the long-term implications of socio-economic disparities in these communities. With higher rates of unemployment, poorer health outcomes, and limited opportunities compared to inland regions, it is clear that these areas require urgent attention and investment. By amplifying the stories of those living on the coast, Braden's work encourages viewers to consider the importance of supporting marginalised communities and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.
This touring exhibition offers a vital platform for these stories to be seen and understood by a wider audience. As it travels across the UK, it provides an opportunity for policymakers, community leaders, and the general public to engage with the human element behind national statistics and policy discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities facing coastal communities.