An army of knitters and sewers in Croydon are needed to take part in a 12 hour knit-a-thon to create special hand muffs for people living with dementia in the borough.
All ages and abilities can get involved in the event at Croydon University Hospital on Wednesday 22 May from 8.00am to 8.00pm in the main reception area. It’s free to take part and knitting and sewing needles and wool will be provided or you can bring your own.
The hand muffs will be donated to the dementia wards at the hospital and South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. The muffs help to relax people living with dementia during their hospital stay or visit and can help prevent them getting agitated.
The knit-a-thon, organised by the Croydon Dementia Action Alliance, is part of a full programme of events taking place in the borough for Dementia Action Week, 20 – 26 May.
The week aims to raise awareness of the condition, encourage people to take positive actions, such as becoming a Dementia Friend, and support those with dementia, and their carers, to enjoy activities with other residents in their local community.
There will be a tea dance at 1.30pm on Tuesday 21 May at the Braithwaite Hall in Croydon Clocktower on Katharine Street.
A special dementia friendly screening of Summer Holiday (1963), starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows, will be shown at Croydon’s David Lean Cinema.
In addition, dementia awareness information sessions will be open to all during the week. The sessions will include the opportunity for carers and people with dementia to experience hand massages and other therapies.
The full programme of events and booking details for some activities are available on the council website www.croydon.gov.uk/dementia-action-week
“We are encouraging as many people as possible to get their needles poised to cast off, stitch and darn yards of wool for this great cause. Croydon is working with Alzheimer’s Society to make our borough dementia friendly. Dementia Action Week is about being inclusive and learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help create dementia friendly communities.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
