TWIDDLE muffs, blankets and teddies are among the woollen gifts given to a Middlesbrough care home by a knitting initiative.
Knit for Peace UK donated two large boxes of items, which also included balls of wool and knitting needles, to The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road.
The Charities Advisory Trust initiative has been sending yarn and needles to care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide fun and therapeutic benefits to residents.
Those at The Gables Care Home have been enjoying the twiddle muffs – a knitted handwarmer with accessories such as ribbons and buttons sewn on to them, which help to calm those with dementia by keeping their hands and minds occupied.
The blankets have also proved popular, as well as the teddies, and now residents are planning on setting up their own knitting club to make use of the wool and needles.
Pam Rodgers, home manager at The Gables Care Home, said: “The twiddle muffs have been a hit among the residents. One resident, Gordon Clarke, discovered a key inside one of the twiddle muffs, much to his surprise.
“The knitted teddies were also a treat and they’ve been adopted by several residents and everyone is loving the blankets, as they are so warm. Resident Ann Barker chose a pink and green one as it matched her jersey.
“The gifts have inspired several residents to do some knitting themselves, so the plan is to start a knitting club to see if we can make things for Knit for Peace too.
“Everyone at The Gables would like to add a massive thank you to Knit for Peace.”
Dame Hilary Blume, the founder and director of the Charities Advisory Trust, said: “Here at Knit for Peace we believe that knitting (and crochet) is good for people. As well as being fun and therapeutic, knitting brings people together and gives a way of helping others in need, providing benefits to both the knitter and the recipient.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been able to send yarn and needles to care homes, homeless hostels, mental health charities, community groups, and those isolated at home.
“We have also been distributing hand knitted items to those in need; the knitting was donated by our 20,000 volunteer knitters. To learn more about Knit for Peace and support our work visit our web site – knitforpeace.org.uk.