Celebrating our successes,
sharing our joys
In the Diocese of
Project Title
Birmingham
Knitting and Sewing - diversification
Description
We have been producing premature baby knitting and bereavement gowns/angel pockets for many years
for distribution to all Birmingham hospitals. Over the past year we have responded to a need to support
those with dementia. In conjunction with a number of Care homes we have developed Fiddle muffs which
have been offered to Dementia patients. We are expanding this service and can tailor the item to suit the
patient. We have also promoted Dementia Friends training through the Alzheimer’s Society for Mothers’
Union groups.
This year we have also provided Cribs for still born babies.
A need for knitted breasts was also identified and these are now supplied to breast feeding teams.
We are also starting a new project sewing drug pockets for babies in hospital.
We are planning a practical Craft Day where people will showcase the new items and help anyone who
wants to make them.
Number of Beneficiaries
100s of people have received Dementia awareness training.
(lives touched)
So far over 16 fiddle muffs have been delivered to patients in 2015.
1000s of knitted items have been produced and given out to families via hospitals. Sadly
bereavement gowns and cribs are needed on a regular basis: we have a stock of 1,200 items
Project Title
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Description
We have supplied BSWA with items for many years. In recent years the charity has opened shops in 3
parts of Birmingham as well as having a HQ in the city. Members are able to take toiletries to these shops
which are then sent to refuges in the city. The HQ also has a drop In service where emergency supplies
are available. We have promoted this project over the last 2 years and reinvigorated our relationship with
BSWA staff. Members collect year round and can also donate larger items such as cots and buggies with
agreement with the refuge manager.
100s – we do not have direct contact with the clients but have had some wonderful feedback.
Number of Beneficiaries
Project Title
Prison work
Description
Activities include running the crèche at HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, providing parenting groups for the young
dads and working with them in advance of family visits to make simple books to share with their children.
Over the last year we have introduced 2 Family Days a year where the prisoners have an extended visit
sharing a meal with visitors and taking part in many activities often including a children’s entertainer
helping them engage in play.
We also provide Christmas cards and toys and knitted teddies are handed out at Family Days.
Our work has been commended by the Butler Trust.
Number of Beneficiaries
•
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Knitting and sewing including
new items made to satisfy
demands – eg, fiddle muffs, baby
cribs and knitted breasts.
Worldwide Council 2015
In a year -20 prisoners attended Being Dad group and approx 15-20 prisoners a year make books,
Dads’ visits – about 42 people (prisoners, family and children), (10 per year)
Family Days – about 76 people (prisoners, family and children) (2 per year)
Midweek crèche – up to 100 people (twice a week), and about 70 knitted teddies are given out.
Items collected for
Birmingham and Solihull
Women’s Aid
Simple books made by prisoners and
some of the toys from the crèche
provided by Mothers’ Union
Decorating biscuits on a Family Day in
prison