Walk into any elderly care home, and you are bound to find someone holding a pair of knitting needles, in deep concentration, skilfully making a warming creation. If you walked into Askham last month you will have seen many residents knitting away, alongside students from Oliver Cromwell!
Over recent months, knitting has become a bit of a craze at Askham Hall and Askham House, with over half of our residents working exceptionally hard to put together a lovely patchwork blanket for the RSPCA to use come winter. Having a sense of purpose has transformed the outlook of many of those participating; being able to physically and visibly contribute to this shared goal has affected a mindset change among many.
Enter the work experience students. A group of motivated, gentle, eager teenagers working alongside the staff here at Askham for a week. A breath of fresh air for many of our residents, this week was as much a learning experience for the students as it was an eye opener for all of us.
It was amazing to bring together people with a difference in age of over sixty years! It was so fun, and during their time here the students enriched the community here at Askham.
‘Community’ is one of the principles Askham was founded upon – in recognition of the happiness that can derive not only being part of something bigger than oneself but also sharing and enjoying moments with diverse people- diverse in age, background, culture, hobbies – and more. We rarely experience the energy of the student population at Askham and we loved every moment. – thank you to the students and all at Oliver Cromwell who made this happen. Please come back!
I never was interested in learning how to knit, and I never thought I would enjoy it, however I was surprised when I actually really liked it. I was happy that I had learnt a new skill. My favourite activity [while on work experience at Askham] was knitting with both of the Margarets. Thank you so much.
For more information please contact Aliyyah-Begum Nasser on 0771 853 6869.
Askham offers specialist nursing and rehabilitation services for adults and the elderly. Across five homes, Askham is home to over a hundred people who are with us permanently or for a short period to help regain independence and function. There is also on site staff accommodation, AVC training centre, Askham head office, and conference facilities. For more: www.askhamvillagecommunity.com or follow us on Facebook.