As part of Pioneering Care Partnership’s (PCP’s) commitment to health improvement, staff were encouraged to make twiddlemuffs to support Dementia Friends, Sedgefield. Twiddlemuffs are knitted or crocheted woollen muffs with items such as ribbons, pompoms, or textured fabrics attached that patients with dementia can twiddle in their hands whilst in hospital or at home. PCP decided to open up the campaign to the local community and have had a fantastic response. Many people kindly dropped by the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe with hand knitted twiddlemuffs or materials to help make them. Over 40 twiddlemuffs will now be donated to Dementia Friends, Sedgefield for distribution amongst those with dementia who have restless hands and like something to keep them occupied.
Carol Gaskarth, PCP Chief Executive says “Thank you to PCP staff and those in the local community who kindly made and donated twiddlemuffs, or provided materials for staff to use. The campaign aimed to promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve mental health through the making of twiddlemuffs. Participation in health improving activities at work also allows individuals to develop knowledge and build a social support network among coworkers. Newton News readers have responded to the appeal PCP staff with the Twiddlemuffs by providing twiddlemuffs knitted by themselves and also the materials for which PCP is grateful. Twiddlemuffs provide a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation at the same time as reducing anxieties and keeping hands snug and warm. So by donating a small amount you have made a big difference to someone’s life. If anyone has any completed muffs that they’d still like to donate please drop them off at the Centre and we’ll ensure they are delivered to the dementia team.” Completed twiddlemuffs can be dropped off at the Pioneering Care Centre, Carer’s Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4SF.
