Samaritans Emergency Appeal with Emelie Hryhoruk
Emelie Hryhoruk is raising money for Samaritans
Story
'I am Enough' [Self Portrait, Emelie Hryhoruk]
Many people have experienced loneliness, anxiety or depression throughout this pandemic, and I felt the need to reach out and remind people that these feelings are normal. The isolation and demands that these recent times have witnessed is heartbreaking, and have put a significant strain on our mental health and wellbeing.
Samaritans has helped me in recent years after my 3 year battle with Postnatal Depression, by simply being there; to listen, to support and to make me realise that I do indeed matter. My feelings of isolation and loneliness were greatly reduced after the number of times I spoke with a Samaritans volunteer, and I shall be forever grateful to the individuals who took the time to listen to me when I needed it most.
The original 'We Will Meet Again' painting was created as a reaction to seeing Queen Elizabeth make her broadcast to the nation in April 2020, to not only help me navigate my way through this time of change, but to encourage conversation during Lockdown. This led to my vision of having my work shown on The Lights at Piccadilly Circus to help relay the message that we are all in this together.
Better days are indeed coming and, most importantly, we are enough just as we are. This self portrait is just that. It's me, just as I am. Albeit with the colour that now emanates from within a little more on show :)
A note from Samaritans:
Coronavirus is impacting all of our lives. This crisis is the biggest challenge Samaritans has ever faced.
Before Coronavirus hit, 20,000 Samaritans volunteers were answering a call for help every six seconds.This could be someone you know, family or friends in urgent need but unable to talk to anyone in the middle of the night.
It is more important than ever for Samaritans to be there 24/7, 365 days a year for those who need us. Samaritans' helpline is feeling the pressure. They're likely to experience more people struggling to cope or in crisis and they may have less volunteers to help answer calls for help.
Their teams are working hard to ensure that we can still be here 24/7, 365 days a year for those who are in crisis. Your donation to Samaritans Emergency Appeal will help them reach those who are struggling to cope. It will help Samaritans recruit more volunteers and work faster on different ways to be there. Change the life of someone who desperately needs them.