Knit and Natter for Dementia!
Crafting Connections and Making a Difference for Dementia in Barnstaple
In the heart of Barnstaple, our heartwarming initiative is “knitting” together threads of compassion, skill, and community spirit!
Our very own Memory Café, led by our dedicated team, is on a meaningful journey to support Dementia UK through the art of knitting.
Dementia is a condition that can often make individuals feel isolated, but our Memory Café is changing that narrative. One of our innovative endeavours is the establishment of a ‘knit and natter’ table during our free, twice-monthly café sessions.
This space isn’t just about needles and yarn; it’s learning new skills, and creating new friendships with people in like-minded situations
The idea was part of Dementia UK’s November Knitting Challenge, aimed at raising vital funds for the charity, and the Barnstaple Memory cafe has raised over £125 to donate.
www.facebook.com/donate/349040504163142/311381945010740/
www.dementiauk.org/get-involved/find-your-event/november-knitting-challenge/
Members of our Memory Café, including individuals with dementia and their dedicated caregivers, came together to revive old knitting skills or embrace new ones, all while contributing to a noble cause.
The ‘knit and natter’ sessions became a hub for socialising and shared experiences. For older members of the community, it was a welcoming space to meet like-minded individuals and engage in a beloved hobby.
Adam Crispin, our owner at Home Instead North Devon, expresses his delight at the success of the ‘Knit and Natter’ table.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the success of our member’s Knit and Natter table. It has given them a sense of purpose, and while some have knitted, others have joined the table to chat and put the world right.”
Our hard work and creativity paid off when we auctioned the lap blankets! The first auction took place on 1st December at Home Instead Memory Café’s Christmas Party, a festive occasion that featured singing by the children from Our Lady’s RC Primary School, games, a raffle, and a delightful ‘bring and share’ buffet.
We extended an invite to the Memory Café’s Christmas Party to the children and teachers from Pathfield School, as a token of appreciation for their contribution – baking and serving cakes at the café during term time.
Our Memory Café is more than just a place; it’s a haven that provides a happy and safe environment for people with dementia, their families, and caregivers. Meeting on the first and third Fridays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Barnstaple Library, our initiative is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the transformative impact of simple acts like knitting and nattering.
It showcases that individuals living with dementia can indeed live well and continue to contribute to society, while also providing invaluable support and companionship to their family caregivers.
