Choosing a charity to work for will provide an extra impetus to your craft program and extra motivation to your residents. Everybody enjoys the feeling of being able to do something for others. What a wonderful way to increase feelings of self worth and dignity among your residents and help others at the same time. A WIN-WIN for all!

The “Dalton Story”.

The Dalton Lodge activities co-ordinator visited us at “Craft is Fun”, coming away with dozens of ideas of suitable activities for her residents. She sent us feedback on six of her participants, describing how participating in craft activities had made a tangible difference in their lives.

Phyllis and Alice came for the craft day from another facility. Both ladies felt craft was beyond them and had come for the change of scenery. By the end of the day Phyllis had completed 3 items and was amazed at her own success and very keen to come to the next craft day. Alice had enjoyed a very social day and was also surprised and thrilled to have made 3 items. On her next visit she told us how surprised her daughter was at her success and how delighted she was at her mother’s new motivation.

Edna arrived from another centre where she had no motivation and done nothing for 12 months. After watching for a day, she started a poly fun project, making a photo frame. Amy, also in her 80s and visually impaired, with the assistance from a Diversional Therapist made a simple poly fun project. Both were delighted with their achievements.

Gladys a lady in her 90s, visually impaired, expertly stuffs soft toys and is delighted to be useful. Doris, a lady in her 80s was very depressed and thought herself useless. With encouragement she began filling dolls and soft toys, then cutting fleecy off cuts into small pieces to stuff poufs. She became so enthusiastic we had to give her gloves so that the scissors don’t hurt her hands. She has become unstoppable.

Gladys and Doris were part of a group who made and donated soft toys to the Salvation Army, to be given to underprivileged children and babies.

The letter of thanks from the Salvation Army, describing how these beautiful, handmade soft toys would be added to their “new Mums” kit and given to disadvantaged Mums and their newborn infants was a cause for celebration. What a wonderful confirmation of their usefulness! Can you think of a better way to increase their sense of purpose?