3 minute read
BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS
Asda community champion Diane Springthorpe grabs a cuppa with crafter and mental health worker Charlotte Groenewald
WORDS RAE RITCHIE PHOTOGRAPHS JOANNE CRAWFORD
Every issue, we sit down with one of our amazing partners to hear about the fantastic work they’re doing with Asda to bring joy to their local communities. Here we meet keen crafter Charlotte, who set up Jigs4w in Nelson, Lancashire, to support local adults with a variety of mental health needs.
Diane: I remember when you started using the Asda store’s community room for the group. I sat in on those first sessions so I’ve seen how far you all have come – with mental health and crafting skills. What you’ve all achieved is fantastic.
Charlotte: It makes all the difference to have such a safe environment to meet in. We were thrilled when we got a spot in that space – it’s beautiful. I cannot emphasise enough the privacy and respect shown to the group when we’re there.
Diane: I’m glad we’ve been able to help you with that room. Groups like yours are so important – especially right now, when I’m noticing people seem more anxious and stressed. It’s not just centred around Christmas, either. From talking to people, a lot of it stems from the pandemic – it made many of us more socially isolated.
Charlotte: I agree – and I’d encourage anyone who’s considering starting a similar group to do it. I’ve learnt through setting this one up that it’s very straightforward – all the information on how to do it is online. There is a lot to think about though. For instance, loads of effort goes into arranging activities that really meet our members’ needs.
Diane: So how do you decide on the crafting projects you do?
The venue: The community room, Asda Colne store
The breakfast: Diane (left) and Charlotte settled down to share a plate of pancakes with jam and mugs of tea, before having a good chat.
You can help, too!
Craft groups such as Jigs4w often welcome donations of materials and equipment that they can use. Search for JIGS4W Community Craft Group on Facebook. Charlotte: I’m forever scouring the internet. It’s a challenge to find new ideas that suit people with varied experiences. We then spend one week trying out a technique and two weeks making something with it.
Diane: I can’t believe some of the stuff you’ve produced, like the gnomes made from drinks bottles. The store manager is in love with them!
Charlotte: The projects we work on have to make sense – have a use. That’s why we’ve made aprons that we then wear for messy crafts and items that can be gifts for birthdays and Christmas. If something has a purpose, it helps people to invest in making it.
Diane: You’d never believe that you’re not all long-time crafters. Weren’t lots of people new to crafting when they joined?
Charlotte: Yes! We have a rule – with each new project, we all give it a go. We accommodate physical disabilities – one sewing machine has a push button not a foot pedal, for example – so everyone can join in. Many have been surprised by what they can do.
Diane: And that’s why crafting is a great way to boost confidence. I’ve seen such a change in so many of your members over time. In the beginning, one of the ladies only ever spoke to her support worker, but I saw her in the town centre the other week and she said hello. It was wonderful to see her out on her own.
Charlotte: The change in every member has been incredible and it’s down to what we’re doing with them – the crafting, of course – but also the interactions we have as a group. Everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
Get involved! We’re spreading Christmas cheer this year! Look out for events and activities in your local area, speak to your Community Champion to see how you can get involved and keep an eye on the community board in store for more information. Check out how Asda’s charity, the Asda Foundation, is supporting communities this year by visiting www.asdafoundation.org.
