Funding Allows Group to get Crafty

A Women's Institute in South Tyneside can carry on knitting after receiving a donation from their local Community Area Forums.

Cleadon Women's Institute was given £185 from East Shields and Whitburn CAF and £266 from West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon CAF to allow them to buy wool to knit and crochet items for vulnerable groups in the Borough. The women make blankets and shawls for care homes as well as "twiddle muffs" - a crocheted or knitted band with items attached which provide stimulation - for dementia patients.  The women have also been busy knitting a range of garments such as baby clothes, hats, scarves, and gloves for other local groups which support vulnerable residents.

The CAF funding was particularly welcome during the Covid lockdown period when opportunities to raise funds through other means have been scarce. This funding has enabled the women to maintain their creative activities as in previous years and continue supporting those in need within the local community.

President of the Women's Institute, Maureen Ling, said: "The money from the CAF makes all the difference, particularly so throughout the last couple of years. Our ladies are galvanised by these local causes and have been unable to raise the finances to buy good quality wool, especially with the cost of living going up. This funding allows them to carry out their community-spirited work while they enjoy some social time."

Maureen added: "People are always so grateful for the items we make so, although it may seem like quite a small amount of money, it goes a long way for the community and reaches a wide audience."

Councillor Alex Donaldson, Chair of East Shields and Whitburn CAF, said: "We were delighted to be able to help this group. The ladies do sterling work which is very much valued by the community and helps us meet one of the Council's priorities of supporting our older and more vulnerable communities."

Councillor Joe Amar, Chair of West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon CAF, added: "One of the roles of the CAFs is to promote and champion our local communities. I'd encourage local people to come along to our meetings to find out more about what we do and how we can potentially help other groups."

To find out when CAF meetings are held, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees