**Photographer Supports Ukrainian Firefighters**
Ed Matthews, a 26-year-old photographer from York, has been working in Ukraine for three years. He went to the country at the beginning of the Russian invasion and initially planned to work as a journalist. However, he soon switched his focus to charity work and is now based in Kyiv.
**Supporting Firefighters**
Matthews is working with the British charity group Fire-Aid, which has donated 118 fire engines and 200,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine. He produced a documentary film for the charity, which was screened in Liverpool recently. The film helped secure another 32 fire trucks for Ukraine.
**Mental Health Support**
While filming the documentary, Matthews realized that Ukrainian firefighters needed an independent mental health service. He launched a project called Brave Minds, which provides therapy and a crisis telephone line for rescuers. This will help save civilian lives in the long term, whether there’s a war or not.
**Life in Kyiv**
Matthews described life in Kyiv as surreal. The city can be peaceful one moment and under attack the next. He talked about the constant drone attacks and the sound of fireworks-like explosions. When an air alert is sounded, Matthews has just three to five minutes to find cover.
**Call for Peace**
Looking ahead, Matthews said that Ukrainian people simply want peace in their best interest. There’s uncertainty about the future, but Matthews believes that with different influences from around the world, questions are being asked about what’s next.