Shrewsbury care home residents stitch for a good cause

Residents at a care home in Shrewsbury have been knitting up a storm, creating essential items for new mothers at their local hospital. 

Putting their needles together for a good cause, residents at Care UK’s Oxbow Manor, on Oteley Road, created various garments to be sent to the midwife-led unit at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

With the help of volunteers, residents made baby blankets, hats and cardigans in a range of sizes to fit all newborn arrivals. The gift bags, which also included wipes and other essentials, were then hand-delivered to nurses at the hospital to bring comfort and an extra touch of love to the babies and their families on the unit.

Margaret Wright, resident at Oxbow Manor, said: “Knitting has been a love of mine since childhood it gives me great pleasure to see our efforts go to those who need them most.”

Michelle Maiden, Home Manager at Oxbow Manor, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the residents, lifestyle team and volunteers who have been knitting to support such a wonderful cause. 

“We were delighted to hand-deliver the finished items to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The contributions to the hospital are truly invaluable and we hope the knitted creations bring comfort and joy to those who receive them.

“Crafts and other creative activities can promote positive wellbeing for older people in a variety of therapeutic ways, improving mental wellbeing and encouraging a sense of purpose. Knitting remains a firm favourite among residents.”

Oxbow Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and rewarding lives, the home has its very own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon, while there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.