Sylvie Simpson is one of the people who has been working at Acorn for the busy bedding season at the plant nursery. It’s the busiest time of year for the nursery, when they offer paid roles for five clients, who have a disability or long-term health condition, to help prepare all the plants for spring.
Sylvie has been coming to Acorn for a couple of years now. She used to work as a carer, primarily for dementia patients, and she spent four years in Australia working in a retinal clinic in Macquarie Street, ‘the Harley Street of Sydney’.
Back in Jersey, she continued to work as a medical secretary. But then after having her first child, Sylvie’s back issues started. After a second child and working from home as a baker, which involved a lot of time on her feet, her back problems worsened, to the point where she had to stop working.
‘The high cost of living just added to my depression,’ she said. ‘Every week, just not getting by.’
When Sylvie came to Acorn, she started on the allotment on a Thursday, which she loved. ‘My dad was a gardener, and he had taught me from a young age. Then I did a voluntary placement in the plant nursery last year and I was thrilled when I was offered a paid position for the bedding season this year.
‘The routine of getting up and coming to Acorn really helps mentally. I had been fearful of going back to work. I had no understanding of what Acorn did. It is such a unique place, but I feel like I have found my people. They are so kind and caring. I feel so well supported. It has built up my confidence again and I sleep so much better.
‘The extra money each week really helps too. And my family are thrilled to see me so much happier. I have never felt so positive in 10 years.
‘It’s good for anyone to know that support is there and how much it can benefit you. When you’re not working, it is easy to isolate yourself, almost to protect yourself. Coming to Acorn has done me the world of good. It boosts your soul and confidence. It has been transforming for me.’
Every time you buy a plant from Acorn’s nursery, you are supporting work and training for Islanders who have a disability or long-term health condition. In the spring the nursery takes on more people to help with the busy period leading up to bedding season.
