I’m Helen from Handmade by Helen, a ‘meet the maker’ is a bit of a challenge for me. I never feel like I should explain myself to anyone as they might not agree with my choices… but here they are!
I was a full time teacher in another life in a Derbyshire school, in 2018 I made some BIG decisions and changed what I did.
One thing that got me through was learning to crochet! Which sounds odd, but the rhythm of thread and hook is really calming. That was exactly what I needed at the time!
A Change In Direction…
I’m now halfway through a Msc in integrative counselling and psychotherapy – wowser!
Learning so much and putting it into practice. I made the change as I could see that there was so much need amongst children and young people for someone to listen, decipher and help heal. Children and young people are faced with so many challenges in modern life, throw in loss, low mood, separation, abuse or trauma and many can no longer decipher the world and sometimes question their place in it!
Becoming a Plastic Free Champion
For the crochet, I’m completely self taught and my biggest love is making affordable crochet from UK suppliers. For championing this idea and promoting plastic free alternatives I have been awarded as a Plastic Free Champion, which just makes me want to find further ways to not use plastic and lower our impact on the environment.
What have I learnt since 2018? Change is good, challenge is good, I can be an academic, I love being in the therapy room, I love making small things with my hook, I love making people smile, I believe in simple and I believe in affordable.
Overall, I believe we can learn new things!
I’m also a Mum of two girls that make me proud, a dog Mum and ‘Himself’ is long term sufferer of hormones and emotions.
Thanks for reading,
Helen