Still I Rise Charity
To advance youth mental health through Art
About
We are a registered UK charity (Reg No 1182706) dedicated to supporting young people through the power of art. Our mission is to help young people develop better communication skills and express their emotions through creative activities.
Art allows participants to explore their feelings, needs, and desires in a unique and imaginative way. By creating art in a safe and supportive environment, young people can build self-confidence and self-esteem. It also empowers them to exert control over their surroundings, alleviating feelings of frustration, alienation, or helplessness.
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In our current art course, we have been investigating the techniques and methods of classical painting and drawing. Specifically, we have focused on depicting light and shadow, as well as exploring colour through a variety of media. Using subjects such as still life compositions, busts, photographs, and life portraits, we have delved into the techniques of Old Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. These classical foundations help participants develop a deeper understanding of art and refine their technical skills.
Our course is designed to cover a broad range of mediums and techniques. The first project focuses on acrylic painting on canvas, inspired by a specific artist. As the course progresses, participants experiment with other media such as watercolours, inks, pastels, oil pastels, clay, papier-mâché, and metal tooling. Throughout these activities, we aim to enhance core skills like memory, fine motor control, and visual, perceptual, and spatial awareness.
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Art projects are particularly beneficial for young people facing mental health challenges or those with special needs. For example, children with speech difficulties may struggle to communicate through words, but art gives them an alternative form of expression. For autistic individuals, art classes provide an opportunity to develop social skills and be part of a supportive community. For visually impaired participants, art offers a tactile way to express themselves through hands-on activities and explore 3D forms.
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OUR TEAM
Director
Tali J hols Msc in Psychology and is currently studing for Professional Doctorate in Health. Tali is a specialist in Anxiety and a Mental Health First Aider. She likes to prioritise Charity projects for vulnerable and hard to reach communities and currently focusing on thr project to reduce anti-social behaviour in High WYcombe.
Children's Art Teacher
Vikroriia Shevchuk is a qualified artist from Ukraine who moved to Buckinghamsgire last year with Homes for Ukraine Scheme. She has three years of experience conducting childrens art classes and workshops in Poland, Warsaw. She is teaching techniques of fluid art, acrylic of canvas, watercolouts, pastels, clay modelling and paier-mache.
Mental wellbeing advisor & assistant
Emese works as a senior psychological wellbeing practitioner for the NHS. She also contributes to the training of psychological wellbeing practitioners at University College London. Emese has a passion for working with groups of people from all walks of life. She believes that we are all resilient individuals, capable of making positive changes in our lives. She is helping us with assisting at the classes and other support as needed.
Administrator
Joyce is an engaging, compassionate and energetic sparring partner, coach and integrative therapist. She draws from a solid basis of corporate experience and psychological knowledge. This, combined with a deep intuition and high levels of relational & emotional intelligence, enables her to foster a space for growth, insight and emotional relief. A space to pause and be. Her approach is always respectful and empathic. Former lawyer experienced in the top tier professional service industry in Amsterdam and London. Studied law in Rotterdam and Stockholm and is RINO certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Children's Art Teacher
Georgious is a Greek painter and BA ART and MA Fine ART degree holder from the University of Reading. He is a professional graffiti artist with experience in delivering artworks both for private collections and public spaces. Moreover, he has delivered art-related workshops and have accumulated teaching experience in art related courses.
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Georgious's are developed from figurative drawings, painting from drawings, life and photography. His current body of work has evolved by thinking through the initial process of portrait painting and expanding my ideas around that portrait into fictions and stories deriving from mythology, philosophy, spirituality and history by being a storyteller. He uses oils and acrylics, and has an expertise in graffiti which allows him to expand his practice into public spaces. Georgious is influenced by the Old Masters, Symbolism of the 19th century as well as contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter, Michael Borremans and Luc Tuymans.