Founded three years ago by Deal artist Deirdre Kashdan, The Missing Project is a participatory work for women whose lives have been affected by the enduring mental illness of someone they love. There are currently 330 women - who are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives - taking part across the UK.
People have been telling their stories in different ways, including photographs inspired by Victorian Hidden Mother photography, poetry, voice recordings, writing and Illustrations.
Hidden Mother photography was a trend that was common in the Victorian times. Young children would be photographed with someone - usually their mother - present but hidden in the photograph.
Mothers would be draped and hidden within the frame, often behind curtains, under cloaks, or disguised as chairs. It arose from the need to keep children still due to long exposure times.
These images resonated with Deirdre’s own experience as she has been largely hidden in the background whilst providing vital support for her son for almost 30 years.
Describing her work, Deirdre Kashdan said: “I have been missing. My son has been missing, and so have the services that he has needed to enable help him be included, rather than missing, in society. This project has transformed deeply personal experiences into a powerful collective narrative, and a form of ‘social sculpture’ has emerged.”
The display will take the form of images on pull up banners situated around the library with caregivers’ illustrated works placed on top of the bookshelves.
“It’s great to see this powerful project returning to our libraries...”
Richard Palmer, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services said: “It’s great to see this powerful project returning to our libraries which provide a safe and welcoming space where people can engage with personal stories that might otherwise go unheard. Libraries play a vital role in our communities, and initiatives like this help highlight the experiences of carers while encouraging understanding, empathy and open conversation.”
“Carers often give so much of themselves to support loved ones and their experiences can too often be overlooked.”
Jamie Henderson, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health said: “Carers often give so much of themselves to support loved ones and their experiences can too often be overlooked. This important exhibition shines a light on those hidden stories, helping to challenge stigma and raise awareness as part of Carers Week.”
A series of creative workshops linked with the project will run on the 16 – 18 and 24 - 26 June from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Dover Library. The artist will also be giving a talk about her work on the 24 June at 1pm.
To book a place on the workshops, or to attend the talk, please contact Dover Library on 03000 41 31 31 or by emailing doverlibrary@kent.gov.uk.
For more information on the Missing Project visit: www.themissingproject.co.uk
Notes to editors
Find out more about Carers Week 2026.
Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives. When life gets tough, talking can help. Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.
Learn how to better help people with mental health issues, confidently have conversations or signpost to support, with free training with Mid Kent Mind.
Find more information about mental health support in Kent and Medway by visiting the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Hub.
