Stitch and Share

Activities

Stitch and Share has been running since September 2014.

Stitch and Share usually meets at 10:00 am on a Wednesday morning during termtime at St. Paul's. All are welcome.

Times are purposely arranged to fit in with parents of school age children.

Activities are focused around:

Coming Together

People come as beginners, returners or to share their expertise by practice in sewing skills.

‘Stitch and Share’ brings people together from across the local community where there is high deprivation. We offer supported access to textile and sewing activities around which confidence, mental health, relationships, community cohesion and skills can grow. Between people of different ethnic communities, there is a sense of belonging, shared experience, a history of exchanging skills and celebration of achievements.

The sewing groups provide a safe and welcoming space. Those who are isolated or lonely for whatever reason are particularly welcomed. New friendships are made and differences are embraced. Being involved in creative activities increases confidence and self esteem as well as having a positive impact on mental and physical well-being. Also enabling people to overcome barriers that prevent them accessing new social, training or employment opportunities.

The group welcomes people from a wide diversity of ethnic backgrounds, ages and life experiences.

Philosophy

We aim to follow the philosophy of The Five Ways to Wellbeing from the New Economics Foundation:

A review of the most up-to-date evidence suggests that building the following five actions into our day-to-day lives is important for well-being:

Connect . . .

With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Be Active . . .

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

Take Notice . . .

Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

Keep Learning . . .

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

Give . . .

Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.