Andrea started working for Archer Project Enterprises in 2017, and has recently begun working in the Printed by Us shop this year. In this blog is a conversation between her and Chris, all about her journey and reflection on key moments through her recovery.
Just before finding Archer Project, I had moved to Sheffield and was suffering greatly from anxiety and depression. My partner lived here, and he worked for Framework at the time so had connections to agencies that could support me. One of these was Archer Project, and he had a chat with Tim, the CEO of Archer Project, about me, my situation, and what they could offer me in terms of support and progression. After suggesting joining their supported employment programme, a couple of weeks later I had my interview with Terry, and I started working for Archer Project Enterprises very soon after that.
My journey initially started in Just Clean, the commercial cleaning social enterprise under Archer Project Enterprises. I began cleaning in Archer Project which I enjoyed, but then fancied doing something a bit different so I asked if I could join Printed by Us.
I was accepted and worked in the print workshop for a bit where I made mugs and printed some of our older designs. Soon after, my confidence had developed to a point where I then began working in the shop.
For me, the most memorable moment was when I began to come out of my shell a bit more. I started to interact with and speak to people a bit more. This included staff, fellow partner volunteers and beneficiaries at Archer Project. This took me about 6 months to build up to. When I first started, I'd stand close to the door with my hat and headphones doing my best to avoid people. I'd even offer to clean the toilets every time as it was a chance to keep away from people. In fact, I asked my cleaning team if I could do the toilets every time as I was that anxious. Gradually, my confidence increased to the point where I could clean the whole project and chat with people and enjoy being part of the group. Now I can work in the shop every week and successfully make sales on my shift by chatting to customers and being more confident every time.
I'm still not sure what the future looks like for me but for the next few years I'd like to progress a bit more in my confidence and work. I still struggle with social anxiety and to even string a sentence together some days, but I'm quite enjoying where I am. My confidence is still growing daily. Somewhere down the line I'd love to have a full-time job. I have also started making my own resin art such as keyrings and have participated in a few markets to sell my crafts. I love this place so much and being here but it's without doubt my comfort zone. I'd like to try stepping out of it at some point in the future when I am confident enough.
To be honest with you, if I hadn't found the Archer Project and Printed by Us, I don't think I'd still be here. My mental health and mood were so low. I wasn't motivated to do anything, nor did I value myself enough to even try and maintain my health. I have a lot of health issues that I never addressed. I don't think I'd be getting the care from doctors that I have now. My anxiety physically stopped me seeking help and my lack of self worth contributed to it too. I was very ill and was told by doctors that I was just walking around every day having a series of mini heart attacks. I eventually underwent a triple heart bypass and since then I have progressed every day. I'm sure that this would have led to a fatal heart attack at some point had I not developed the self-confidence and self-worth that I found since becoming part of Archer Project.
Co Written by Chris Lynam, Andrea & Evie Concannon
