Learning disability service creates close-knit community with postal project
Wakefield community learning disabilities health service’s new knitted blankets have got community spirit and togetherness covered after they were created by service users and carers as part of a postal pandemic project.
The service had planned to launch a knit and natter group, and began asking for donations of yarn, but Covid-19 pandemic restrictions put a stop to their stitching. Not to be put off, the team set about creating postal knitting packs from generous donations which would enable service users with a learning disability to create their own knitted 12x12cm square.
Containing everything they needed to contribute to a cosy blanket, including yarn and video and picture instructions, the packs were a huge success.
Therapy assistant Beccy Webb said: “We shared a poster advertising our knitting packs with our patients and their families, with care homes and on our Facebook page. Lots of people got in touch requesting knitting packs. Some had never tried knitting before and told us that they were enjoying learning something new. Others requested top-ups of yarn when they’d run out, telling us that knitting and the Facebook page updates were keeping them going through lockdown.”
A carer added: “I really enjoyed knitting, and my son enjoyed sitting next to me to watch me knit. It was very relaxing. My son even had a go at knitting for the first time.”
The team now have enough knitted squares to make three blankets which they are looking forward to displaying to celebrate their community’s achievements.
