For my second project during my studies of the foundation degree course, I gave myself the task of creating a set of portraits celebrating important people in Sheffield. Through nurses, charity workers and those working in the public sector. I know these photos could be improved with a little more planning, but I believe I did well for my first try 🙂
Sharon – Project Worker
The Cathedral Archer Project.
“Even if it’s a smile, a warm shower or fresh pair of socks, a little goes a long way, and here at the archer project, we try to help those who have had doors shut in their face. We try to let them know that their current situation is not a ‘be all end all’ situation. They can overcome this, and we’re here to help. The Archer Project offers hot showers, a kitchen with hot food and donated, clean clothes for anyone to use. I think it’s very rewarding to know we are helping people who would otherwise lose faith in themselves.”
Paul – Bus Driver
First South Yorkshire.
“I don’t think my job’s that important, I just drive the buses. If it wasn’t for the guys in the depot, engineers and the whole team, I wouldn’t have a bus to drive. We help people get to work in the morning, and the 52a helps people get to the main hospitals in Sheffield to visit sick family and friends. And although we complain about the bus being late or not arriving, we’re still needed, and we try our best.”
Clare – Children’s Nurse
Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
“Here at Sheffield Children’s Hospital we treat children of all ages with a huge variety of conditions. As a Children’s Nurse I need to be caring, compassionate and creative in order to deliver the best possible care for children, young people and their families. Having a child who is sick is one of the most stressful things a parent or carer can go through. As a Mum myself I can empathize with that, so I see supporting the whole family during this time as one of the most important parts of my job.”
Laura – Deputy Manager
Sheffield Young Carers.
“The reason we exist is to make sure that children who have had to grow up too fast through caring for a loved one, that they remain children for as long as they should. The children and young adults we work with have to carry a lot on their shoulders each day, and sometimes play up in school as a result, giving them time out of their lives to be kids again is the best form of help we can provide, the Sheffield Young Carers is important because we help young carers in Sheffield understand that they are important too.”
Eddie – School Crossing Warden
Lydgate Primary School.
“I hated school when I was a kid, but when I was in school it was 1952, all the teachers were in their 60s, grey haired and they were all ex-army majors. It’s not like it is today. I always think it’s good for the kids to have somebody that’s friendly because if they go to school and see a jolly old man at the crossing, they’ll be happy enough to cross the road safely and go to school.So when I was made redundant last year, I started working here and everyday I try to make as many children smile as I can.”
Phill and Chris – Volunteers
Jubilee Food Bank.
“There’s quite a lot of need in Sheffield. Some people haven’t got money because they’ve had their benefits stopped. We find all sorts of people who need help. And other the past four years we’ve been here, there seems to be more need now than ever. In our local area, we actually visit people at their homes, with probably about six hundred home visits every year. It’s really important to stand with people who face difficulty, a bit of food really helps.”
Chelsea Pike Photography 