Residents at Croft Foulds Court, Retirement Living
Residents at Croft Foulds Court decided to start knitting again a few months ago. They started off with some snugs for premature babies, and now they’ve also been making cardigans with matching hats and blankets for newborns, and hearts for people who have lost a loved one (one stays with the patient and the family keep the other).
They said: “We have been donating them to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield and are trying to find a contact at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital to give some out there too.”
Margaret, resident at Wellesley Court, Retirement Living
Margaret has volunteered at Uniform Exchange for over five years.
She said: “I originally started volunteering at Barnsley Museum and in my spare time was knitting clothes for premature babies, mask extenders during the Covid pandemic and scarves for the Uniform Exchange in Huddersfield.
“When we moved to Huddersfield, I offered to drop my scarves off at the charity. I asked if they needed help and that was just the beginning.
“We were all so excited to get the Kings Award for Voluntary Service on his birthday.”
Maragaret says she volunteers to get out, make new friends and get a different outlook on other people's lives as well as helping others.
She goes on to say: “I still knit scarves and also now volunteer once a week as a reading friend at a local school.
“I'd like to thank the fellow residents who have donated items for charities.”
Joan, resident at Newton House, Extra Care
Joan’s Husband sadly died last year, around the time a resident crafts group was set up at the scheme. She said: “At the time I was thinking of doing something creative as part of adjusting to life without Richard, and decided to make a rug using old t-shirts gathered from residents at the scheme and charity shops. “12 months on the rug is finished. Now, my day starts when I get out of bed and step on my new rug. It is a reminder of the days and adventures we had together and spurs me on to have a positive day.” Joan says the crafts group at the scheme has helped her heal from her loss, she goes on to say: “Without the group I wouldn’t have pushed myself and been a part of a creative, supportive setting. Instead of sitting watching each day go by, setting myself new challenges and seizing opportunities can mean the beginning of a whole new chapter. “For my next project I am learning how to knit dishcloths- why not! Monday mornings are now full of laughter and friendly banter, what a fantastic way to start the week.”
