‘Close-knit’ community brings pride and purpose to residents

What’s better than a cuppa and a catch up? According to the residents of one care home, having a ‘Knit and Natter’.

Offering a place to regularly meet, chat, and raise money for charity, the ‘Knit and Natter’ group at Huntington House care home, in Surrey, is helping to create a sense of pride and responsibility among its residents.

Now an integral part of member’s lives, the group helps residents to rekindle fond memories and make new connections, and has quickly expanded to include staff, and members of the local Women’s Institute.

But the social benefits are just one side – the group knits items to support charitable projects including brooches for the Poppy Appeal, and blankets and hats for hospitals in the UK and South Africa to keep premature babies warm.

Director of Huntington and Langham Estate, Charlie Hoare, said: “When you become reliant on others to care for you, you can feel a loss of self-worth. But finding a way to help others can often make up for losing the independence to look after yourself.”

What a perfect way to spread a little warmth and cheer, wool-dn’t you agree?

Writing | Bonnie Evie Gifford