KNITTERS across Lowton and Golborne have been getting busy with their knitting needles making ‘twiddlemuffs’, following an appeal by Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
What on earth are Twiddlemuffs?
Twiddlemuffs are knitted muffs decorated with ribbons, buttons, zips, Velcro and other decorations which provide a stimulation activity for patients who have dementia or confusion.
Following an appeal on Facebook the hospice received around 40 twiddlemuffs from supporters including some from the Knit and Natter club based at Manor Court retirement community in Golborne.
Marion Scotson from the group learnt about the request from her daughter Elaine Forshaw, a medical secretary at the hospice. The group got busy and have so far donated 10 twiddlemuffs.
Marion said: “One of the nurses mentioned to my daughter that they needed twiddlemuffs so she got me a pattern and the club worked it out from there. We sometimes get donations of wool, ribbons or decorations that people give us and other than that we buy the materials ourselves. It makes us feel we’re doing some good and it’s a nice afternoon for us all as well.”
Andrea Clarke, a Senior Staff Nurse on the Inpatient Unit, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and kind donations; the twiddlemuffs have been great for our patients with dementia or confusion.
“They are a distraction for patients who may, for example, have an IV line and may pull it out, which causes distress as they need re-siting. With a twiddlemuff they have something bright, colourful and interesting to occupy their hands.
“Feedback from families has been great, they think they are a wonderful thing and have asked to thank people for their kindness.”
Generous donations from across the borough
Others who have donated twiddlemuffs include knitters from Sunshine House Community Centre in Scholes and the Knit and Natter club based at St Luke’s Church which donated three dementia dolls.
The hospice is well stocked at the moment but will need more twiddlemuffs in the future – so if you can knit, or want to learn, this could be the perfect time!
Photo above shows (left to right): Valerie Pounall, Marion Scotson, Jeanette Ashurst (front), Eileen Llewellyn, Edna Waterworth, Millie Dawber, Maureen Mitchison (front) and Brenda Barnes from the Knit and Natter club based at Manor Court retirement community in Golborne.
Sheila Barlow and Rose Smith are not pictured but are also members of the club.
1 comment
My dad was given one in hospital and loved it they are a brilliant idea well done to the ladies
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