Following the final Community Sewing Day and closing date for block donations, a team of dedicated volunteers from the Wessex Quiltmakers has begun the intricate process of making each of the distinct memory quilts.
With more than 120 blocks received, the volunteers expect to be able to complete at least five quilts, which will be displayed at The Arc for the general public to view between January 12-14.
“After a busy two months of Community Sewing Days, we collected so many special stories from right across our community. In the last few weeks, it’s been quite thrilling to see the individual blocks come together in beautiful pieces of art thanks to the efforts of our volunteer quiltmakers”, said Fabric of Winchester project manager, Maddie Cowell.
“We can’t wait to share these with Winchester at the free exhibition at The Arc."
Launched in September, the project has captivated Wintonians, built on creativity and storytelling whilst highlighting the rich diversity of the district. Eighteen community and national partners have helped to realise The Fabric of Winchester, including support from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, and Arts Council England. Shentons Solicitors, Carter Jonas and The Winchester Bakery have also backed the project, alongside a groundswell of in-kind support including from Janome UK, Play to the Crowd, The Arc Winchester, BellaCrafts, Winchester Radio, Everyone Active, and the Hampshire Chronicle.
Once the exhibition has concluded, the quilts will be donated to the Winchester Hospice, a gift from St John’s Winchester and the community in recognition of the impactful work of the Hospice providing palliative and end-of-life care.
The project has highlighted the power of individual and collective stories, shining a light on the St John’s Winchester Dementia Support service which has helped more than 320 individuals living with dementia since its launch in October 2022. With the generous support of individuals, corporates and foundations, St John’s Winchester hopes to expand the service to ensure that no call ever goes unanswered and that life-changing support is always accessible and freely available to those most in need.
PROJECT STATS AND FACTS
During the first stage of The Fabric of Winchester project, St John’s Winchester held seven Community Sewing Days across different Winchester locations including Bella Crafts, The Theatre Royal, The Winchester Bakery, The Winchester Sport & Leisure Centre, The Arc, and the Brendoncare Weeke Friendship Group. In addition to the seven community sewing sessions, two ‘drop in’ sessions were also held at the St John’s Community Room.
Across the nine sessions, a total of 93 Wintonians attended and participated, and 24 volunteers provided their valuable support, including the Wessex Quiltmakers and representatives from Janome. Including blocks made at one of the nine sewing sessions, and the blocks generously donated, the project received more than 120 blocks, with several received from local charity and educational organisations, including The Westgate School, Friarsgate Practice, and Winchester Bereavement Support.
THE DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE. WHAT NEXT?
Through the success of their Memory Wellbeing Centre in partnership with Everyone Active, St John’s Winchester have announced that their Dementia Support service will be facilitating a second centre in partnership with Shawford Springs, Barchester Healthcare. Launching in January 2024, their new Memory Wellbeing Centre is based on the Meeting Centre model and is an expansion of their dedication to creating a safe and stimulating environment for individuals facing the challenges of dementia.
The St John’s Dementia Support team said: "We have found that bringing people together that are affected by Dementia enables them to connect with other people in similar situations to form their own community. We have found that the people we have supported though our service and Memory Wellbeing Centre are living life better.”
It is hoped that with dedicated fundraising efforts, the St John’s Dementia Support service can recruit additional staff members and expand their geographical footprint so that a greater number of people across the Winchester District can access their service.
ALMSHOUSES
St John’s Winchester are a proud member of the almshouse movement which boasts 35,000 almshouses across the UK. The charity is unique within the movement as they provide unrivalled levels of care and support to residents who cherish their independence. Helping people maintain their independence remains St John’s Winchester’s driving force today. Their almshouses provide affordable, independent living for older people in Winchester, Hampshire.
HAND IN HAND
St John’s Hand in Hand is a dedicated well-being, signposting and befriending service, created to extend support for older people into the local community. It is aimed at making a real difference by improving the well-being of local older people, offering access and gateways to new social opportunities and helping scheme members to live full and independent lives for as long as possible.
HOMESHARE
St John’s Homeshare is a mutually beneficial living arrangement where an older householder who has a spare room and would like some help and companionship around the home, is matched with a younger sharer. Through the service, in return for affordable accommodation, the younger person gives 10 hours companionship and practical help, such as shopping, cleaning, cooking meals together, gardening or pet care.
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