Residents enjoy knit and natter to help babies keep warm this winter

Published by Shoreline for Shoreline Housing Partnership in Housing and also in Communities, Health

Elderly residents at Shoreline Housing Partnership's Stratford House sheltered scheme dusted down their knitting needles, cast on and created blankets and hats for babies at Grimsby’s Special Care Baby Unit.

Busy knitting and stitching at their regular knit and natter afternoons, residents have created blankets and hats to ensure newborn babies will be cosier than ever this winter.

And not only have the afternoons helped local charity they’ve provided an outlet for residents to relax, get creative, keep active and enjoy a good old chin wag.

Shoreline support officer Julie Hammond said: “It is wonderful to be able to give something back especially to vulnerable babies who need a little extra help. Our knit and natter afternoons have been great and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped.

“Some of my residents have various difficulties but what they have achieved is wonderful and I am very proud of them all.”

Stratford House resident Betty Taylor said: “I’ve enjoyed the knitting and sewing of the blankets, it’s good to have something to do and it keeps the brain going.”

Fellow resident Margaret Jacklin added: “Knitting acts as a kind of occupational therapy and it helps if you have problems with your hands.”

The blankets and hats will be donated to the Special Care Baby Unit at Grimsby Hospital.