A creative band of volunteers in Macclesfield is using their knitting needles to bring comfort and support to patients at East Cheshire Hospice and the wider community.
Woolly Creations for a Caring Cause
The Knitting4Charity group, which meets every Thursday from 10am to 12noon at the Hope Centre café, has been busy producing dozens of colourful woollen items. Their handiwork includes heartfelt gifts for the hospice on Millbank Drive. Dozens of colourful woollen hearts are given to patients and their families, providing a tangible token of comfort.
Meanwhile, an array of knitted hats now decorates chocolate oranges sold in the hospice's gift shop, turning sweet treats into fundraisers. The group, featuring members like organiser Dorothy Fisher and knitters Margaret Hockenhull, Christine McGregor, and Margaret Blacoe, recently completed a project making poppies for the Royal British Legion before focusing their efforts on the hospice.
Combating Isolation with Stitch and Chat
Ruth Corn, the Hope Centre manager who joined six months ago, emphasised the profound social benefits of the gatherings. “Everyone is welcome to come and join in these morning drop-in sessions and enjoy a coffee,” she said. “Importantly, people are connecting. Our aim is to combat isolation and loneliness, and these groups work perfectly and are popular.”
She shared a touching example of one lady who felt quite isolated but came along with a friend and greatly benefited from the companionship. Organiser Dorothy Fisher echoed this sentiment, noting, “They’re a nice group and they welcome the chance to meet others. We have some lovely conversations.” Each creative project typically lasts around five weeks, providing a structured but social focus for the volunteers.
Sensory Support and Future Projects
The knitters' next mission is to create Twiddlemuffs. These are knitted hand muffs with various objects attached, designed to act as a sensory tool for individuals living with dementia, anxiety, or learning disabilities. The idea was suggested by Hope Centre trustee and Hospice chaplain, Marion Tugwood.
The Hope Centre itself is a hub of community activity, also running a dementia music café on Tuesdays and friendship and colouring craft sessions on Wednesdays. Furthermore, the centre supports volunteers in various roles, including running its coffee shop. Ruth explained that volunteers come for many reasons, from bereavement to seeking employment skills. “Some learn barista skills and one young lady based here found a job,” she added.
As a small not-for-profit charity, the Hope Centre is actively seeking financial support. “We’re struggling financially so we’d be glad of any help, whether it’s through monthly giving or sponsorship,” Ruth stated, giving the example of hoped-for free cookery classes that need a sponsor.
Those interested in supporting, joining the knitting group, or volunteering can contact Ruth via email at managerhopecentremacclesfield@gmail.com or by telephone on 01625 404384. Full session details are available on the centre's website.
