How to Foster Community and Wellbeing Through a Local Care Home Knit and Natter Project

There's something special about turning a simple ball of wool into something useful or beautiful. It’s one of those classic hobbies that connects generations. And in Malton, a local care home has taken this idea and spun it into a wonderful community project. The residents at Rivermead care home have been getting together for their ‘Knit and Natter project’, a weekly session that’s about much more than just knitting. It’s about friendship, making memories, and creating some truly brilliant things. Recently, their project involved a wonderfully clever bit of recycling, turning a festive decoration into cosy home comforts, showing just how creative this group is.

A stitch in time at Rivermead

Every Wednesday, a special kind of magic happens at the Rivermead care home. This is when the ‘Knit and Natter project’ takes place, bringing residents together for a session of creativity and conversation. It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one. With knitting needles in hand and plenty of wool to go around, the group transforms threads into tangible items, all while sharing stories and laughter. This regular meet-up has become a cornerstone of the week for many, a chance to socialise and engage in beloved hobbies. The focus is as much on the ‘natter’ as it is on the ‘knit’, providing a warm and supportive atmosphere where friendships can flourish. The enjoyment the residents get from these sessions is clear to see. The home provides a perfect space for these activities, ensuring that everyone who wants to join in can do so comfortably. It’s a brilliant example of how a care home can support the passions of its residents.

From a woolly Christmas tree to cosy cushions

You’ve got to love a bit of creative thinking. Over the festive period, the group embarked on an ambitious creation: a completely unique Christmas tree. They channelled their efforts into knitting dozens of individual squares from colourful wool. These squares were then cleverly assembled to form a beautiful and quirky Christmas tree that stood proudly in the home’s reception area. It was a real talking point and a testament to the residents' collective effort. But the story doesn’t end there. Once the festive season was over, the group decided to give their creation a new lease of life. Instead of packing the squares away, they were repurposed. Each knitted square was carefully stitched together with others to create a collection of wonderful, soft cushions. This brilliant idea meant their hard work could be enjoyed all year round, with the colourful cushions now adding a touch of handmade charm to the care home.

The crafter connecting the community

A huge part of the project's success is down to the support it receives from the wider community. A fantastic local crafter named Sarah volunteers her time every week to help guide the sessions. Her passion and expertise have been invaluable, helping the residents with their creations and bringing new ideas to the table. Sarah’s involvement highlights the wonderful connection between Rivermead care home and the local Malton community. It’s about people coming together to share skills and enjoyment. Sarah’s dedication has helped the group produce an amazing array of items over the past couple of years.

Sarah commented on her experience:

‘It never ceases to amaze me the enjoyment knitting brings to the residents from the moment they pick up the needle to their end creation. Over the last 2 and a half years we have collectively made blankets, cushion covers, bags, Easter bunnies plus many more. I find the sessions so rewarding and look forward to catching up with the residents each week.’

A general manager’s view on creativity and hobbies

The positive atmosphere created by the Knit and Natter project is felt throughout the home, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the management. The General Manager at Rivermead, Chloe Baron, is a big supporter of the initiative. She sees first-hand the benefits that keeping up with hobbies and socialising has on the residents' wellbeing. Activities like this are vital in any care home, as they provide a sense of purpose and a platform for self-expression. The colourful and cosy creations dotted around the building are more than just decorations; they are a visible reminder of the vibrant community within the home and the shared memories being made.

Chloe Baron said:

“It is lovely to see our residents enjoying time together as well as keeping up their hobbies. The creations are fabulous to see and are a great addition to the home.’

This endorsement from the general manager underscores the home's commitment to fostering a rich and engaging environment for everyone living there. The project is a fantastic success, bringing so much enjoyment and producing wonderful creations that enrich the lives of the residents and the feel of the home itself.