In the first few days of our new Bracknell shop being opened we were visited by a charming Geordie, Nige (not Nigel) Webber.
Nige had popped into the shop as he had learned about us from Stepping Stones Recovery College, where he had taken part in an Introduction to Jewellery Making and Silversmithing Course in January 2023.
He told us that his work history has included prison and police services and as a result after years of witnessing fatalities and self-harm, he had been diagnosed with PTSD in September 2022. His world had collapsed. He started having regular flashbacks and was reliving incidents from 25-30 years ago. Sadly he got very little help from his work or most healthcare professionals, but evenutally through the support of his family and a psychologist, he came across Stepping Stones.
Nige says that he thought he was about as 'creative as a smack in the head with a shovel', but inspired by his 'arty' daughter and regular trips to charity shops, he began deconstruct jewellery and decorative items to see what the assembly process was like and then also began to draw to help focus his headspace.
The 10 week jewellery course initially seemed overwhelming and he learned a few lessons the hard way - for example, spending two hours finely sanding a piece only for it to break. However, he quickly learned various techniques using not just precious metals but also alternate materials like exotic wood, stones, shells and repurposed pieces.
Since that initial course, Nigel's craft has gone from strength to strength - he has made gifts for a Ukrainian friend and also created the most amazing 'metal fascinator' for Ascot. Nige's work is on display in Craft Coop Bracknell until the end of July, so please make the most of seeing it.
Finally, in Nige's own words: "Mental health is nothing to be ashamed or scared of. Issies can affect anyone at any time - I am proof of that. Don't hide it, speak up, seek help. It's not an easy journey. I have dark days, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel...."
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For more information on Nige, follow him on Instagram @headspace_jewellery_and_art or to read his full story as published in 'The Modern Jeweller', click here
For more information on Stepping Stones, please visit www.steppingstonesrecovery.co.uk. (Please note that Stepping Stones is completely free and is open to anyone aged 18+ who lives and works in the Borough of Bracknell Forest. You don't need a referral - it's up to you to decide.)