The 2026 winner of the Swedish Photo Book Prize was praised by the jury for his unpretentious format and ability to "take on a complex subject without it becoming exploitative when photographing places where suicides have occurred," according to a press release from the Swedish Photographers' Association (SFF).
Charlie Hay was born in 1987 in Sandefjord and lives half the year in Härjedalen in the small village of Lillhärdal. In addition to the honor, he is also awarded 40,000 kronor.
"I know that many people struggle with their mental health, and I want to open up conversations and break the normalization of silence," says Charlie Hay, according to the press release.
Facts: This is where you can turn if you feel unwell
In emergencies or if you have thoughts of suicide, always call 112.
This is where you can turn if you feel unwell:
Mind.se.
Suicide Zero – suicidezero.se.
Spes – National Association for Suicide Prevention and Survivor Support. spes.se.
BRIS – Children's rights in society. bris.se.
Save the Children – raddabarnen.se. Also for parents.
Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.se.
On-call buddy – receives calls from children and young people up to the age of 25. jourhavandekompis.se.
On-call fellow human being – can be reached at night on 08–702 16 80.
Friends – friends.se.
1177 – healthcare advice and information about the nearest psychiatric emergency department. 1177.se
National mental health and suicide prevention helpline – reachable 24/7 at 90390.
