3 minute read
Win a custom landscape-based painting worth £400 in support of The Survivors Trust charity
Young artist Caitlin Eve Derrick is using her talent for painting to highlight the support available for victims of sexual violence
In March 2020, the Crime Survey for England and Wales released statistics stating an estimated 773,000 adults aged between 16 and 75 years were victims of sexual assault in the year March 2019 to March 2020. The latest ONS report states that there were almost four times as many female (618,000) victims than male (155,000).
‘Every five minutes in the UK someone is raped,’ states The Survivors Trust. A powerful statement that brings to light the increasingly heartbreaking statistics on sexual violence in the UK.
Caitlin with her latest landscape-based paintings from her collection ‘Flourish’. Image credit: Caitlin Eve Derrick
By Kellie Williams
Caitlin’s new art studio in Elysium Gallery Studios, Swansea. Image credit: Caitlin Eve Derrick
Caitlin Eve Derrick, a 19-year-old artist from Swansea, South Wales is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting charities close to her heart. Caitlin has chosen to support The Survivors Trust charity in her next artistic endeavour.
After graduating from Afan College in 2019, Caitlin decided to pursue her dream career as an artist and launched her first solo collection ‘Flourish’ in October 2019 in support of the wildlife charity RSPB to promote their campaign, ‘Let Nature Sing.’
“I paint to share my love for nature and specifically my love for the beautiful Welsh coastlines I have around me,” said the artist, Caitlin. Image credit: Caitlin Eve Derrick
Caitlin’s art quickly became popular on social media, gaining a large following of 1,770 followers who were eager to watch Caitlin’s career grow and anticipate what creative pursuits she embarks on next.
Her work has since been recognised all over the world and the young artist is shipping internationally. Caitlin has also recently opened her new art studio in Elysium Gallery Studios in Swansea.
“I have always felt that if I had a following, then it would be my duty to use it to do good, that is why I contacted and teamed up with the RSPB for my first solo exhibition,” she said.
A stroke of sincerity
Following the death of Sarah Everard in South London which led to the #reclaimthesestreets movement against sexual violence and women’s public safety, Caitlin’s past trauma and experiences resurfaced.
“I spent days feeling lost with the world, disheartened by the events unfolding in the media. I began researching ways I could help, and I came across The Survivors Trust,” she said.
Caitlin is offering a custom-made, landscape-based acrylic painting to one lucky person who takes part in her charitable raffle. All proceeds will be given to the charity against sexual violence, The Survivors Trust.
Set up in 2000, The Survivors Trust charity created a support network for those suffering from trauma and abuse and now has 124 members across the UK and Ireland, aiding to provide a service for survivors.
Caitlin has raised £66 so far with 41 days remaining on the raffle. However, it isn’t just about raising money for the charity, Caitlin said that she aims to promote the charity for those in need and unaware of what support is available.
“I want to raise awareness and help break the stigma around sexual violence in the UK,” said Caitlin.
She concluded, “This is not the first time I have chosen to work alongside a charity and it will not be the last time, as long as I have a platform to use my voice, then I will do so. I believe we all have the power to make a change.”
For more information on Caitlin’s charity raffle visit:
https://go.rallyup.com/caitlineveartistwales/Campaign
The free helpline number for The Survivors Trust is: T: 08088 010818
02921 660311
