The Crafty Ladies are a group of local women who are involved in a knitting group

Description

The group was set up for women in the local area after Covid. The founder Anne O’Farrell identified that there was a great need to have a meeting place for women to get together to combat the loneliness and isolation they felt post Covid. Anne set up a group called The Crafty Ladies in March 2022. The initial purpose was to provide a safe space for local women of all ages to meet and chat over a cup of tea. The age group ranges from 23 up to 90. While the majority of ladies are from the local area, the group also includes ladies from Syria, Poland, Hungary and further afield who have now made Ireland their home. Being part of the group allows them to practise the english language skills and build a network of friends in their new community. The ladies make Fidget Mitts and other knitted items. Where possible they use sustainable materials to make their creations. The mitts are donated (free) to The Mater Hospital, Dublin and the Dublin Neurological Institute who in turn provide them to patients with anxiety related issues. The mitts are given to anyone who requests them for people with Dementia, Alzheimers, Autism, Parkinsons and anyone who would benefit. The mitts have made their way to Canada, America, New Zealand, Ukraine and most of Europe. The ladies attend the group once a week and there is no charge to them either for the group or the refreshments. It is important to Anne that there is no barrier to anyone that would like to join the group. Also, the mitts and other items are provided free to anyone who needs one. The ladies only accept wool or knitting needles if someone would like to make a donation. There are adamant there would never be a charge for the mitts. In addition to knitting the ladies have fundraising projects throughout the year. So far they have made donations to Women’s Aid, The Muslim Sisters of Eire, The Red Cross Ukraine Appeal and Unicef. There was no set up cost for this group as the materials needed were donated and they often receive gifts and donations to keep them going. This group could be replicated anywhere.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative is to provide a safe space for local women to get together to engage, connect, talk, support and knit. The group provides a place where women can come out of their homes and meet others which in turn combats the loneliness and isolation they feel. The group also provides information on events in the area, supports available and other related information that might be relevant to them. While the women support each other they are making fidget mitts which provide them with a purpose and gives them great satisfaction and enjoyment.

Who is it aimed at

The group is aimed at anyone in the local area that would like to join. The group is for all ages and provides a good intergenerational mix. It also provides people that are new to the area and to Ireland with a group where they will be welcomed and can easily make friends.

3 Steps critical to success

1. A safe space to meet
2. A warm welcome and a non-judgemental attitude to anyone who joins the group
3. A supply of materials which can come from donations

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. There could potentially be an issue providing an ongoing free space at some point in the future
2. Reliant on donations to keep materials free
3. Getting the information about the group to those most in need. We need to be aware that everyone does not have digital skills

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Make fidget mitts and other knitted items to be donated to hospitals, health care facilities, schools and individuals. It provides a purpose and gives great satisfaction seeing how much the mitts help those in need.
2. To provide a warm and welcoming space. We want to give people a reason to come out of their homes and find support to combat loneliness and isolation.
3. To provide a space where all generations mix and enjoy each others company. To provide a space where non-nationals feel welcome and can meet others in their locality.