Sweet Cavanagh jewellery is handmade in London by women recovering from eating disorders and addictions. Designing and creating each unique piece provides a therapeutic outlet, which is enhanced by more formal therapy groups, led by a highly trained therapist. The women also see a registered dietician in both a group and individual setting, and receive meal support, all of which is free of charge.
Additionally, they take part in monthly career counselling with a recruitment agency, that ultimately gives them the opportunity to be placed in temporary and/or long-term jobs.
Research has proven that jewellery-making can elevate well-being by increasing self-esteem and reducing stress and anxiety; all of which can reduce the risk of relapse. Seeing their pieces sold online further enhances the women’s feelings of self-worth and confidence.
The following anecdote exemplifies the power of jewellery-making:
Making a piece each week was a wonderful way to soothe and focus my mind. However, if I was feeling unmotivated, this was ok too. Perfection didn’t need to apply to the jewellery making. I now have a new hobby, and have bought my own beading kit and made a number of pieces at home. I have given them to friends as birthday presents and I even set up our own website. This has been empowering in itself.
Like the women who crafted it, Sweet Cavanagh jewellery is bold and beautiful. Each piece is designed and handmade in London’s Notting Hill, using a mixture of semi precious stones, metals and glass. Items are rarely produced in numbers larger than two or three, making each piece a rare treasure.
Sweet Cavanagh is owned by the registered charity, Free Me, and was set up in response to a gap in affordable care, observed by personal experience.
