UNPAID carers in Northwich have been getting crafty while enjoying a bit of much-needed respite and peer support.
On Monday, March 11, Nature Makers Cheshire held a free willow weaving tutorial for them at the Cheshire and Warrington Carers' Trust headquarters on London Road.
The event was part of Nature Makers nationwide Community Give Back Week, when it say a big ‘thank you’ to its communities for their support by offering free sessions and events.
Participants were taken through the basics of the mindful craft of willow weaving, then went on to make their own willow hearts, which they were able to take home.
Robyn Moseley, a former park ranger who now runs Nature Makers Cheshire, said: “It was a pleasure to hold a willow heart weaving workshop for this special group of people who give up their time and energy to care for loved ones.
“It really was a heart-warming session.
“Being able to sit with a group of people and quietly chat whilst taking part in a mindful craft can have such a positive impact on mental wellbeing.
“Working with natural materials is a lovely way of connecting with nature and trying out new creative processes and everyone took away their own beautiful Willow Hearts."
A carer is any person who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of illness, disability, mental health issues or addiction, who cannot cope without their support.
Unlike care workers, carers are unpaid, and often find themselves juggling paid work with their caring responsibilities, which can mean they have very little time for themselves.
A Cheshire and Warrington Carer’s Trust spokesman said: "We were thrilled to be chosen by Robyn to receive a funded session on willow weaving.
"It’s our mission to provide much-needed respite so carers can feel refreshed and get some peer support.
“I know our clients absolutely loved the willow making, and some said they were inspired to do it again.”
Robyn runs creative sessions for schools, nurseries, holiday events, birthday parties, and private groups, and can offer bespoke workshops depending on your needs.
You can email her on robyn@nature-makers.co.uk
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