Ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, we’re looking for people who love to knit to create and donate Twiddlemuffs for local people living with dementia.
Do you knit? Have you heard of Twiddlemuffs? As part of our commitment to help create a Dementia Friendly Stockton, we are appealing for knitters young and old to help create a selection of Twiddlemuffs, which will be donated to local dementia care homes and day services.
The colourful and quirky knitted hand warmers are being created as part of a Stockton-wide project. The project will be launched on World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September to raise awareness of dementia and our local Dementia LiveWell Hub.
Twiddlemuffs are soft knitted muffs with interesting bits and bobs, designed specifically for people with dementia. Many patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia who have restless hands find them comforting and therapeutic as they help encourage movement and brain stimulation by providing something to ‘twiddle’, and at the same time keep hands snug and warm!
Participants at ARC’s Staying Out project are also taking part, donating knitted Twiddlemuffs and knitted squares that can be made into patchwork twiddle blankets.
No previous knitting experience is necessary as ARC staff have plenty of helpful and easy to follow ‘how to guides’ and ideas for anyone who would like to have a go at making a Twiddlemuff and any donation is appreciated. Call ARC’s Box Office on 01642 525199, or drop in for more details.
The project will run from September 21 – December 19 and the Twiddlemuffs can be handed in to our Box Office, all public libraries in Stockton or the Dementia LiveWell Hub on Thorndale Road in Thornaby. All Twiddlemuffs donated will be sent to local care homes and North Tees Hospital.