Generous volunteers create fidget mats to help those living with dementia

Community volunteers have created and donated hand-made fidget mats to residents living with dementia in North Tyneside.

The project, which officially launched in 2019 before it was impacted by the pandemic, was taken on by Linskill Craft Group, a Whitley Bay Guide group, dedicated volunteers in the borough and North Tyneside Council.

Fidget mats rest on the lap, on a tray or table and help individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s by giving stimulation, comfort, reducing anxiety, restlessness and encourages them to relax and engage. The sensory mats created by the groups are beautifully made, colourful and imaginative, specially designed to use touch and repetitive motion to engage and occupy individuals.

Originally established by Julie a Care and Connect Community Navigator, the group gathered each week in Forest Hall to make their contributions. From patchwork to crocheting and knitting fidgets, each member worked together to design, make, and put together the sensory mats.

When the group was sadly halted by social distancing restrictions, the dedicated volunteers weren’t deterred and continued to work individually at home to complete the mats. Two and a half years later, they came back together to hand over the donations to residents living at North Tyneside’s dementia focused scheme, Havelock Park.

Carole Proctor from Forest Hall was one of those working on the project. Throughout the pandemic she continued with dedication using her creativity to make mats with different themes including a sensory vegetable patch and nature.

Local guides volunteer Lucy Charmichael also continued to create a mat at home, then took her inspiration to her guides group to encourage them to make patchwork squares in their own designs, which she then sewed together to build five mats.

Speaking of the project she said: “The Guides, Guide Leaders and I really enjoyed this project. We really liked the idea that the Mats we made would help people. It was lovely to see the Guides getting involved in sewing and they made some lovely unique designs. The Council were really kind in supplying the materials we needed. We had a lot of fun sewing together and we were all very proud of the five Mats that we made”

Cllr Anthony McMullen, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at North Tyneside Council, said: “North Tyneside is a borough with a brilliant community spirit, where people look after, and support others and this wonderful project is the perfect example of this.

“Suffering with dementia can be isolating and the concept of hand-making mats which can keep residents occupied and give them a feeling of inclusion in an activity of their choice is just brilliant. It’s made even more special that volunteers from our community have dedicated their time to creating something to help others.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s been involved in this project and I’m certain that your efforts will have a positive impact on our residents’ lives. You should all be extremely proud.”