Residents Get Down To The ‘Knitty Gritty’ For Charities.
Several residents at Moat House Care Home in Burbage devote time each day to knit clothes and comforters for new-born babies and children. They are supplying a number of charities such as Tiny Tots, Mercy Ships, Teeny Tiny Knitters, The Police and a number of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the UK with some lovingly created knitted items.
“The ladies are making items such as micro hats, bonding squares, cardigans, booties and comforters for premature babies and angel hats and sleeping bags for the babies who sadly pass away. They are very passionate about these items, they even taught me to knit so I can help” said Carys, Activity Co-ordinator at Moat House.
Some of these items are vital in the early stages of life for a premature baby, bonding squares are used by mums whose babies are in a neonatal unit. Each mum is given two squares, one is kept with baby & one is kept on mums body, every 12 hours they are swapped. They help mum & baby to bond by smell in cases where they can’t physically touch. Trauma Teddies are also used by the police force to help comfort children at times of upset.
Maureen, a resident at Moat House, said: “I taught myself to knit at a young age, I even used to knit my own outfits and it’s a great passion of mine, As soon as I moved into Moat House I joined the Knit and Natter club but as a collective we wanted to do something that would make a difference with our time and we are rewarded by knowing how much our efforts are appreciated.
Those who cannot knit but want to help often donate wool to the knit and natter club at Moat House.