Through close, long-term collaborations, documentary photographer Polly Braden explores how young people in five coastal communities navigate deprivation while holding on to creativity and connection. Her photographs linger on small gestures and everyday rituals, revealing a quiet intimacy that comes from working alongside families over time.

Scenes from music sessions, dance studios and homes in places such as Tendring highlight both challenge and resilience. The project invites viewers to consider how environment influences opportunity while recognising the agency expressed in these thoughtfully observed moments.