A TRULY HEARTWARMING YARN
SOME of Geelong’s most vulnerable residents have teamed up for a community knitting project to support local mums.
Barwon Health’s Social Supports Program, which partners with the Ariston City Learning and Care kindergarten, connects isolated people to keep them active, independent, and engaged in their community. Without faceto-face meetings during the pandemic, this has presented even greater challenges and required innovation to continue operating.
Through teleconferencing and phone calls, the program has reached out to participants, who include older people, those with a disability, memory loss, or people looking for more social interactions.
Social Supports Program co-ordinator Linda Kar said a community knitting project had engaged participants who could no longer socialise outside their home, with a united effort to contribute towards eight colourful cot and pram blankets for nonprofit organisation Geelong Mums.
“Staff delivered instructions, wool and knitting needles to each person’s home, allowing them to knit squares that could be crafted together into the blankets for families in need, distributed by Geelong Mums,” she said.
“The adaptability and resilience of the participants during this challenging year of isolation has been an inspiration.
“While the program has received more than 40 new referrals during the COVID-19 lockdown, we all look forward to returning to our centre and growing the program into the future.”
For Social Supports Program referrals, call 1300 715 673.