Meet the Swinton-based knitting group ‘Knit and Natter’ who knit clothes, blankets and more for those with dementia, premature babies, and homeless people.
At the group they regularly have projects, including making baby chicks at Easter, hearts, baby cardigans for the premature baby unit and at Christmas they knitted hats, scarves and gloves for Home Instead, a Salford care charity who look after elders.
Lyn Rumley the creator of Knit and Natter explained why she created this group, saying: “We just thought we could get a group together for people to have a knit and a natter. It took a while to take off, now there’s about 12 regulars, It’s been three years now.
“To get people together and out to meet new people, it helps a lot with mental health- depression and anxiety, so the social aspect is massive, I myself suffered and it’s helped me tremendously.”
She discussed the impact on the Salford community, saying: “The manager at the time asked us to knit for premature babies, we’ve knitted cardigans, hearts, hats and little teddies.
“We’ve knitted for Home Instead as well, making hats, scarves and gloves last winter. Some people don’t see anyone from day to day and they’ve got no one to chat to so this is helpful.”
Julie Tudge, who was wearing a cardigan she knitted herself, took early retirement 12 months ago and wanted somewhere to go due to feeling low, and being forced to quit work.
She said: “I enjoy knitting, I come every week now, it gets you out of the house and you can socialize and talk to other people.”
She spoke on the initiative for knitting for charities, saying: “It makes you understand there’s people not as fortunate, knitting hats for Home Instead was heartbreaking as one of the organizers told us that someone people don’t get a Christmas present, and they were making boxes up and putting our knitted items in them to make sure everyone in their care got a gift for Christmas.”
Kath Nilen joined the group just before Christmas, she attended another knitting group before, yet wanted somewhere with more of a “social and family vibe”.
She spoke on the benefits of this, saying: “There is a massive community impact because people who live round here, or even people just walking round the park pop in have a chat, and we meet loads of new people.”
She also discussed her creations and how it even taught her a new skill, saying: “I’ve learnt how to crochet, I’ve made teddies for the hospital, a baby cardigan for my great granddaughter and started a few things for myself as well!”
While she wasn’t there to knit for Home Instead last Christmas, she supported the initiative, saying: “I think it’s really good, they really need help, there is always somewhere that needs help so it’s lovely. I’ll hopefully be doing it this year.”
The Knit and Natter sessions happen every Tuesday 10-11:30 at The Hive Wellbeing Hub and they are free to the public. Salford residents can bring their own knitting needles or equipment is available if needed.
More information can be found at The Hive Wellbeing Hub in Victoria Park, Swinton.
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