Lady Knitters group donate handmade gifts to Mother and Baby Unit
Our Mother and Baby Unit on our Bethlem site received a generous donation from a group called “Lady Knitters” who deliver items for premature babies and baby units across various London hospital sites.
The Lady Knitters is led by Nog, a community charity worker. The team started by knitting mask extenders during the COVID-19 outbreak and has since moved on to tiny hats, cardigans, mothering squares, canula covers and cot blankets to be given to special baby units at local hospitals.
These items provide comfort, warmth and emotional support for both the infants and their families, helping to add community connection to the experience of being in hospital.
June Judd, Ward Manager at Bethlem’s Mother and Baby Unit said:
We’re always grateful for donations and hand-crafted gifts like this really help to brighten people’s day. It’s wonderful for us to see how much this helps the older adults who are knitting these pieces and then the impact it has on our patients. A small act of kindness that goes a long way!
This initiative has helped not only the families who receive these gifts but the knitters too by offering mental stimulation, emotional fulfilment, stress reduction and social connection.
Nog said:
One of the volunteers previously sat in all day watching TV but she now uses her time to knit for us instead. One day, she went to the wool shop, met a pensioner and explained what she does now one day a week. The two have now become good friends and have a weekly knit and natter at the cafe together. So, she is now doing something to help others, getting out more, and reducing loneliness at the same time.
Thank you to Nog and the Lady Knitters for your kind donations!
Interested in getting involved? You can contact Nog and the Lady Knitters by emailing nogman101@gmail.com.
