Faces of Resilience: A photography exhibition to honour courage, hope, and the human spirit.

Maryna

Maryna

Prior to the war, Maryna and her teenage son lived in Kyiv. Maryna worked for a Ukrainian IT company as a Team Leader. They fled Ukraine during the initial stages of the invasion, transiting through Poland and the Czech Republic before spending a month in Spain. During the early stages of the war, Maryna’s father took his own life, and she lost members of her extended family. Eventually, they found a new home in West Sussex. Despite the challenges and the horrors they went through, they hold onto hope for a better tomorrow.

“British people have rekindled my faith in life and humanity.”

Nina

Nina

Nina lived in Kyiv before the war. She enjoyed painting, playing volleyball, and meeting friends. On the day of the invasion, traffic was very heavy, so she couldn’t leave in the morning. But when the bombing started, she was able to leave in the evening and drove to Chernivtsi, South West of Ukraine, where she stayed for 3 weeks with a friend-of-a-friend. Then she moved to Romania and stayed with other contacts. She found a UK host on Telegram and applied to come to the UK. She arrived in June 2022. The UK is a miracle country she says. The people are very kind and they believe in God. They are very friendly.

“All the people here smiled at me, and it was very nice because I was stressed. I feel very happy with English people.”

Nadiia

Nadiia

When the war began, Nadiia had to make the difficult decision to leave. In March 2022, with her young son and mother, she set off on a difficult journey. Leaving her husband behind at the Ukrainian border was agonising. The promise of safety for her family kept her moving forward. With the support of a sponsor, they crossed the border on foot and eventually made it to the UK.

Adapting to life in the UK brought its own challenges, but Nadiia’s strong English skills and the unwavering support of her sponsors, Angela and Darren, helped her settle and create a new rhythm. Despite missing her husband, she found comfort in connecting with people who shared her passions and renewing her sense of purpose and joy.

“I love this country. It’s fascinating to discover famous sites which I learnt in school or read in books.”

"freedom isn't something you have. It's something you do" Oksana Zabuzhko, Ukrainian Novelist & Poet

About the project

The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of helping others in their hour of need. Introduced in March 2022 by Secretary of State Michael Gove, The Homes for Ukraine scheme offers a lifeline to those Ukrainians who have been forced to flee following the invasion of their country. Under the scheme, Individuals, charities, and businesses can sponsor Ukrainians seeking safety in the UK, regardless of family ties. Since its introduction, over 200,000* Ukrainians (mostly women and children) have arrived in the UK

Faces of Resilience relates the stories of 60 Ukrainian women who escaped the war and sought refuge in England. Photographic portraits, accompanied by their story will be shown in galleries across the country and published in a book

* source: Home Office 2022

Where to view

Worthing Library (8th-23rd June 2024)
Brighton Jubilee Library (19th-25th August 2024)
Shoreham Centre (28th August -28th September 2024)
Lancing Parish Hall (1st-20th November 2024)
Worthing Museum (1st-28th February 2025)

Partners and sponsors

Faces of Resilience is a project presented by The Contemporary Headshot in partnership with charities, sponsors and associations, who together support Ukrainians in the UK. Our partner network is growing.

Support the project

Adur Ukraine Support is a support organisation for Ukrainians staying in Adur and their hosts. They support health and wellbeing and promote Ukrainian Heritage and Culture. Donate here or visit: https://www.adurukrainesupport.org.uk/

Why supporting Faces of Resilience?

February 2025 will mark 3 years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has faced challenges in maintaining global attention due to other geopolitical events in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the south has encountered difficulties, leading to concerns of war fatigue among Western allies. Some capitals are showing reluctance to continue providing advanced weapons and funds to Ukraine.
The war has left an indelible mark on the country’s men and women fighting for a free world. Millions have also been forcibly displaced, and essential civilian infrastructure lies in ruins. The displaced are women and children, uprooted, disrupted in their education, and separated from family members.
The loss of stability and safety has been particularly devastating for these young lives and plunged families into economic hardship. Poverty rates have soared, exacerbating the challenges faced by displaced women and children. Necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare are often out of reach. Over two years of violence and displacement have triggered a mental health crisis.
While the supply of US-made F-16 warplanes and advanced anti-aircraft defences can significantly improve Ukraine’s war effort, there are other steps we can take beyond the front lines.
It’s essential to acknowledge the urgent humanitarian requirements of displaced women and children. By providing compassionate support and raising awareness, we can ensure that the situation in Ukraine remains at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness.
This aligns with the mission of Faces of Resilience

If you require support regarding any of the issues raised in this exhibition or wish to know more abut how to support Ukrainians in your area please contact AUSA or Worthing4Refugees