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Back in 2017, before my work began revolving more around chronic illness and lifestyle, I started this blog to share my theatre reviews. As a former dancer, theatre became one of very few ways I could still engage with the performance industry after my health declined… but as somebody with a chronic illness, attending shows even as an audience member was still full of challenges.
It was these experiences that made me begin writing ‘chronic illness-friendly’ theatre reviews. These posts would not only communicate my personal reflections on the show, but also discuss any implications of the venue or the production on my health condition. These posts drew in a huge community of individuals, people who also adored musical theatre but struggled with the impact this had on their own illnesses… and almost immediately, what I was doing began resonating with people. To date, one of my proudest achievements as a blogger is opening up that conversation so that like-minded people could connect and share not only their passions, but also their frustrations. For the first time, we were openly discussing barriers that are often much-less visible to those in the industry… and even to the wider disability community sometimes too.
![[AD - my product!] Ohhhh guys, Sterling Silver Spoonie Necklaces are back! My heart is SO happy right now 🙊🥰
These necklaces originally came about as part of Spoonie Survival Kits, my social enterprise. SSK came to an end in Feb 2021, but ever since then I’ve received messages asking if they could be brought back somehow. The necklaces were incredibly popular and received glowing reviews, so I’m *beyond* excited to have them available once more!
The necklaces are handmade and feature a dainty spoon charm on a silver chain, complete with a spring-ring clasp. Each one is packaged minimally in a white recyclable necklace box, complete with reusable lilac ribbon tied in a bow. They’re £14.99 plus UK first class large letter postage, with 15% of all sales income donated to charity.
Purchases from Oct 2021 will include a donation to @thelunaprojectuk, a gorgeous small charity run for and by young people with lived experience of disability. Funds raised through these necklaces help the charity continue providing in-person school workshops and online events and resources, to provide support and raise awareness of disability issues.
The spoon is a popular symbol for the energy-limiting nature of many chronic illnesses. With these Spoonie Necklaces, I want to offer a more subtle yet empowering symbol of belonging to the chronic illness community – a club that nobody asks to be a part of, but one which we make the best of however we blummin’ can. Consider this necklace an extra spoon on standby for when you’re running low, and a sign of solidarity with the millions of people in the UK alone living with long-term health conditions.
It means the world to me to be able to do things like this – connecting people with mutual lived experiences, and raising money for a deserving cause at the same time. Link’s in my bio if you’d like to treat yourself, loves!
IMAGE CREDITS: @chronicallyjenni 🎀
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