A shared love of helping out others

It’s pretty plain to see how a craft group in Wishaw is helping to bond local people together. Craigneuk Lifelong Learning Association (CLLA) launched its Knitting Communities Together project two years ago which runs every Friday morning. Open to beginners and those with experience, the group started off with the aims of knitting, crochet, coffee and chat. Funded by Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire Consortium, members share knowledge and skills as they work on their own individual projects. In addition, they always have a community project on the go too. They have created soft toy octopuses for premature babies that were donated to the maternity unit at University Hospital, as well as blankets and hats for the babies. They previously handcrafted Trauma teddies in partnership with Police Scotland and Scottish charity Children 1st. Members were recently invited to vist St Andrew’s Hospice for afternoon tea during their Hospice Care Week. They took along a selection of their work to donate to the patients there. Donna Bruce, outpatients manager at the hospice, gratefully accepted 20 knitted, or crocheted, lap blankets and shoulder shawls, on behalf of the patients.

Louise Healy, project development worker at CLLA, said: “The community spirit in this group, which has been facilitated by our wonderful volunteer Katrina Gibbons, has been phenomenal and lovely to witness. It has been great to see everyone bonding over the months and sharing skills.”

For more information about the craft group or other courses and services running at the Craigneuk centre call Louise on 01698 373401.

Or you can email: louisehealy.clla@gmail.com, find them on Facebook or pop in to the unit at 641A

Glasgow Road, Craigneuk weekdays from 9.30am to 2.30pm.