Edward Matthews visited Ukraine in order to photograph the invasion from Russia.
Once a photographer of Yorkshire’s nightlife, Matthews now works together with firefighters to raise awareness of the dangers they face across the world.
The 27-year-old spent two years photographing ordinary civilians who were under peril of the Russian attack.
Extreme images like a man held captive in a basement for 28 days were often the subject, coupled with the mundanity of public transport.
Matthews told the BBC: “Once you experience the hardships of people in the world, you cant go back to normal living without doing something to help.”
In 2023, Edward visited a village in the Kherson Oblast which was victim to flood damage as a result of the 2023 Kakhovka Dam breach.
He photographed civilians and victims who were waiting for humanitarian aid to arrive.
During his time in Ukraine, he decided to further aid the frontline workers by supporting local charities and organisations.
The charity Fire Aid contacted him after he documented the arrival of British fire appliances.
Fire Aid has sent 119 Fire Engines and over 200,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine.
Since his collaboration with the charity in 2024, the former club photographer witnessed the psychological detriment first-hand.
Leading him to start the Brave Minds campaign which aims to support the mental health of firefighters.
Brave Minds aims to provide firefighters with free therapy that addresses stress, trauma and PTSD.
The programme also offers online one to one therapy and mental health toolkits that are always accessible.
Brave Minds has been active for over a year and aims to reach every region throughout the country.
The advice is provided by experienced Ukraine mental health professionals who provide the resources for firefighters to continue their work.
Psychologist Viktoria Kryvolapchuk said 113 rescuers have been killed, 577 injured and 458 fire stations were destroyed.
Brave Minds said that ensuring the firefighters are “psychologically fit” and able to “continue has never been more important”.
