How a Guisborough Craft and Cake Group Is Helping Combat Loneliness in the Community
By Community Correspondent
A friendly craft group run by Guisborough Salvation Army is helping people of all ages make new friends, learn new skills and tackle loneliness one cup of tea at a time.
The weekly Craft and Cake sessions, held every Thursday afternoon at the Salvation Army hall on Westgate, have become a popular meeting place for local residents looking for company, creativity and, of course, plenty of cake.
Led by volunteers Kath and Maureen, both in their 80s, the group was originally created to provide a warm and welcoming space for people during the colder months.
Kath explained: "We started the craft group a couple of years ago when there were changes to the winter fuel payment. The heating's always on in the hall so we thought this is a warm place for people to come and have a chat.
"They can bring their own craft projects to work on and we've tried things like silk painting and glass painting. There's always cake."
The group welcomes everyone, from children to older residents, and has become much more than a place to knit, crochet or make cards.
Among the regular visitors is nine-year-old Mia, who enjoys crochet and is currently working on a dragon.
"I just like thinking about the different things I can make," she said. "It's quite peaceful, just crafting and crocheting."
John, a retired Salvation Army officer, said he enjoys the chance to spend time with others.
"It's nice to be together, to enjoy the fellowship, relax and have a cup of tea," he said.
The group has also been building links with younger generations.
Recently, local primary school children joined a session to sew hearts that could be hung at home, carried in a pocket or given to somebody who had shown them kindness.
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Many of those attending also use their skills to help others.
Regular visitor Sue has worked on projects ranging from quilts for veterans to hats for premature babies. She said:
"I come for the company," she said. "We have lots of cake and biscuits, lots of tea. I knit a lot and they'll go to whoever needs them."
The craft group is just one of many activities run by Guisborough Salvation Army. The church and charity also operates a community charity shop, toddler groups, coffee mornings and support services for local people facing loneliness or financial hardship.
Major Fiona Mugford said volunteers play a vital role in everything the organisation does.
"Our volunteers do a variety of jobs including sorting through clothes for the shop, making hot drinks and cakes, or simply providing a listening ear to people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation," she said.
"We really appreciate them. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without them."
The Craft and Cake group takes place every Thursday from 1pm to 4pm at Guisborough Salvation Army.
