As part of Canon's ongoing commitment to deliver meaningful social value in communities across the UK, they recently supported one of their public sector customers, the London Borough of Redbridge by hosting two impactful Canon Young People Programme storytelling workshops at Caterham High School and The Forest Academy in Ilford. These sessions empowered students to explore critical global issues through the lens of photography and storytelling.



At Caterham High School, the workshop focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 5: Gender Equality and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Led by Canon Ambassador and visual storyteller Ian Hippolyte, the 23 Year 10 students and four A-level mentors created powerful portraiture and symbolic imagery that championed equality and inclusion. They explored how visual media can be used to challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices.
Ian Hippolyte said: “It was incredible to see how the students used their creativity to express powerful messages about equality. Photography is more than just capturing images – it’s about telling stories that matter. These young people showed how visual storytelling can be a force for change.”

Meanwhile, at The Forest Academy, Canon Ambassador and wildlife photographer Ellie Rothnie guided 30 Year 10 students and five A-level mentors in a hands-on biodiversity storytelling workshop. Aligned with UNSDG 15: Life on Land, students captured the living species and natural world around their school grounds – transforming local nature into meaningful visual narratives.



Ellie Rothnie said: “Photography has the power to open eyes and hearts to the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Helping these students capture biodiversity in their own surroundings and guiding them to tell stories through their images has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Their passion and curiosity are truly inspiring."

As part of the experience, students had the opportunity to use Canon’s state of the art mirrorless cameras, including the EOS R6 and R8, alongside a wide range of camera lenses spanning zoom, macro to wide angle landscape. Their final images were printed on Canon photo printers; PIXMA TS8750 and SELPHY CP1500, giving them a tangible takeaway that celebrated their creative efforts and storytelling skills.

Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon Young People Programme, commented:

"These storytelling workshops are fantastic examples of how our CYPP brings together our imaging technology and social value strategy. By combining storytelling, photography, and themes like equality and biodiversity, we’re equipping young people with the tools and confidence to use their voices and create change."

Kam Mann, Head of IT Support at the London Borough of Redbridge, added:

"Canon’s delivery of both infrastructure and inspiration is exactly the kind of holistic partnership we value. These workshops gave our students unforgettable experiences, opening their eyes to the power of their own creative voices and the world around them We’re proud to see social value executed so meaningfully in our Borough."

This initiative showcases Canon’s approach to demonstrating how its imaging and print technologies work hand in hand to deliver both business value and community impact. While Canon provides the London Borough of Redbridge with its print infrastructure, it also delivers on its social value commitments through education and youth engagement programmes like CYPP.

Through CYPP, Canon has reached over 7,750 young participants across more than 30 countries, working with over 50 charity partners to provide education, equipment and platforms for youth storytelling.

Visit here for more about the Canon Young People Programme: 

https://www.canon.co.uk/sustainability/empowering-young-people

What is the Canon Young People Programme?

Storytellers need access to education and equipment so they can continue to learn and grow. The Canon Young People Programme provides opportunities that allow those that need it most, young people from deprived backgrounds and communities in developing regions, to document stories on the social and environmental issues that matter to them.

Through the Canon Young People Programme they’ve reached over 7,750 young participants across more than 30 countries, and working with over 50 charity partners, including Plan International and Wild Shots Outreach, across Europe, Middle East and Africa equipping young people in schools and communities with the skills, tools and platform they need to share their stories with the world and create new opportunities both for themselves and others in their communities.

www.canon.co.uk