Davyhulme

ARE you a keen knitter, or do you prefer to crochet? If so, your skills could make a difference for an elderly person in hospital.

Trafford General is reaching out to local hobbyists for help making handmade ‘twiddlemitts’ for patients with dementia.

A twiddlemitt is a hand held muff that has been designed with added buttons, beads, ribbons and zips to provide simple stimulation for active hands, while also keeping them warm.

Having something to ‘twiddle’ can have a calming effect on a person with dementia, and a direct impact on the quality of their life.

Helen Rogers, lead nurse at Trafford General, said: “Providing excellent dementia care is one of our focuses at Trafford General and the Twiddlemitts have proven to be a great comfort for our patients.

“Our fantastic staff are doing a great job of getting involved in their free time, some having never knitted before, but we would love to make sure every patient has access to one of these for Christmas, as well as in to the new year. Any help will be really appreciated here at the hospital.

“They’re great fun to make and such a worthwhile cause.”

Patterns are available for both knitted and crocheted patterns. If you would like to find out more, or collect a pattern, contact personal assistant Jo Berry by e-mailing Joanne.berry@cmft.nhs.uk.

Completed Twiddlemitts can be addressed to Joanne Berry, Management offices, Trafford General Hospital, Moorside Road, Manchester, M41 5SL.