Plea for keen knitters to create and donate woollen items to help people with dementia

An SOS was sent out by Jean Kelly at the Hub in Portchester, asking people to knit or crochet ‘twiddle muffs’ which can be handed out to care settings in the area to help people with dementia.

Twiddle muffs are thick hand muffs which have various items sewn onto them, which keep people warm and help to occupy restless hands and relieve stress.

Marjorie Brand, secretary of Portchester Townswomen's Guild, responded to the plea for donations by giving Jean a selection of hand knitted twiddle muffs created by the ladies of the Portchester Townswomen's Guild.

Marjorie said: ‘It's very easy to make a 12-inch by 24-inch knitted oblong, or for decimal minded folk it's 30cm by 61cm. You can go to town and knit stripes, chevrons or just plain knitting.

‘The oblongs are then decorated with ribbons and buttons by ladies of the craft section of the Hub.’

Having something to hold and fidget with is said to have a calming effect on a person who has dementia, so these colourful creations will be of great use in local care homes.

Jean said: ‘We need more help for dementia sufferers, many of whom are in isolated bays and have had little contact with the outside world.

‘Please help if you can, even to donate wool, if you can't knit.’

People who would like to help or get involved can send or take knitted oblongs or donations to Jean Kelly at the Hub in New Parade, West Street.

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