SUPPORT GROUPS
Our aim is to develop a network of therapeutic activity groups across the world, where people can meet up, make friends and enjoy social contact in a safe environment.
Our plan is to develop a three-tiered network of therapeutic knitting groups. Tier 1 will be the largest and consist of groups in community, leisure, workplace, school and care home settings. Tier 2 will consist of groups in GP surgeries and specialty groups aimed at targeting specific issues. Tier 3 will consist of groups in hospital settings and will also contain specialty groups such as the group we've been successfully running at the Pain Clinic of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, UK since 2006.
Groups will focus on the wider concept of reducing stress and social isolation so enabling us to include anyone who wishes to take responsibility for, and improve, their wellbeing.
Specialty groups will focus on specific issues wherever there is a need. For example, specialist school-based groups may focus on problematic, desruptive behaviour and conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, whilst specialty workplace groups may focus on those who need more help managing stress.
We understand that joining a group can be difficult, but our work has shown that the common activity makes it easier to join and makes the group work. Not only does the activity give you comfort in a new environment, but it's much easier to talk to 'strangers' when you have something in common. Being an activity-based group creates a relaxed environment where there is no pressure to contribute. It's somewhere where you can 'just be' yourself and 'just be' silently content in the presence of others. This type of social contact is restorative and nurturing.
Not only is there something special in the individual activity of knitting which is beneficial but there is something special in the quality of the social contact experienced through the activity.
Groups and Group Leaders will be able to link up via our Stitchlinks Forum to share ideas, inspiration and chat online.
To set up a group, click here for our Core Pack and all the information you need.
To find a group near you, click here
Our plan is to develop a three-tiered network of therapeutic knitting groups. Tier 1 will be the largest and consist of groups in community, leisure, workplace, school and care home settings. Tier 2 will consist of groups in GP surgeries and specialty groups aimed at targeting specific issues. Tier 3 will consist of groups in hospital settings and will also contain specialty groups such as the group we've been successfully running at the Pain Clinic of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, UK since 2006.
Groups will focus on the wider concept of reducing stress and social isolation so enabling us to include anyone who wishes to take responsibility for, and improve, their wellbeing.
Specialty groups will focus on specific issues wherever there is a need. For example, specialist school-based groups may focus on problematic, desruptive behaviour and conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, whilst specialty workplace groups may focus on those who need more help managing stress.
We understand that joining a group can be difficult, but our work has shown that the common activity makes it easier to join and makes the group work. Not only does the activity give you comfort in a new environment, but it's much easier to talk to 'strangers' when you have something in common. Being an activity-based group creates a relaxed environment where there is no pressure to contribute. It's somewhere where you can 'just be' yourself and 'just be' silently content in the presence of others. This type of social contact is restorative and nurturing.
Not only is there something special in the individual activity of knitting which is beneficial but there is something special in the quality of the social contact experienced through the activity.
Groups and Group Leaders will be able to link up via our Stitchlinks Forum to share ideas, inspiration and chat online.
To set up a group, click here for our Core Pack and all the information you need.
To find a group near you, click here