Jillian is 63 this month and lives at Extra Care scheme, Lavender Meadows. Her cancer treatment has left her with Osteoporosis in her spine and legs, which has limited her activity and although she is in a wheelchair, she likes to keep her hands and mind active. She said: “I moved to Lavender Meadows in 2021 and started knitting for charity again in 2022 during the height of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is when my love of hat looming started. Seeing the faces of the people of Ukraine during their freezing winter made me want to do something for them, no matter how small.”
She didn’t stop there; she began knitting not only hats for those in Ukraine but extending this to people who are homeless in the UK. She said: “From then I started looming scarves to match (the hats) to give to the homeless. I have lost track of how many sets I have made but I do know that I will keep going as long as I have wool. My spare room looks like a wool shop as it has shelves throughout filled with wool, tub after tub, so I will be busy for quite a while.”
Jillian has been busy knitting for charity over the past two years and is aiming for the Salvation Army to distribute them this year when they hold their Christmas event for the homeless. She goes on to say: “What I do is small, but if I can make a difference and help a homeless person be a little warmer, that makes me happy.”
Do you have a sparkling story to share?
This year is our 60th anniversary as a housing association, and we can’t think of a better way to mark this momentous occasion than to celebrate you, our fantastic residents, by sharing your stories. Whether you're marking your own special diamond anniversary, making a difference at your scheme or in the local community, fundraising for charity or taking on an ambitious project this year, we would love to share your story far and wide through our website and social media channels.
If you would like us to share your story, please speak to your local manager or email us directly at communications@housing21.org.uk.
