Hayley's Story

My designs in mind journey started with the evening workshop held in the jolt shop on a Tuesday evening this was recommended by a friend who was attending designs in mind,

I managed to get myself through the door 3 weeks on the trot before my anxiety got the better of me. That same friend told me to ask my doctor for a referral which I did twice, before I finally asked my psychiatrist who got onto it straight away. Within 3 days i had a phone call from Jo asking me to go for a look around , it took me so much courage to get through the door and as soon as I met Jo the tears started, but her kindness and warmth shone through and I knew I was in the right place for me and from that day on I grew from strength to strength. For the first year I was met around the corner by Bridie to help me get in before everyone.

I would not look up or interact with the morning meeting, I would just sit and wait for the meeting to end so i could go upstairs where it was quiet and I would feel more relaxed. The first project I worked on was screen printing for the Gobowen library. I was instantly hooked and my confidence rapidly grew in what I was able to do. I would spend every spare minute I could at the studio because I had a purpose and felt useful for the first time in a while. Eventually people started coming to look and commenting on my work and friendships grew. Just over a year after I started Bridie asked if i would like to help her with the new referrals,

I apprehensively said yes not knowing what to expect and how I would be able to make people feel more comfortable in new surroundings, but yet again I surprised myself, just making tea, sitting alongside making, advising and talking about my own experiences helped someone else. Now here I am 2 and a half years later and one month in to being a paid member of staff and #GoodEgg project Support.