Local voluntary group Dadesley Crafting has received national praise after being selected as the England winner in the 2022 Creative Lives Awards.
The awards celebrate and spotlight the incredible achievements of groups and projects providing creativity activity for people of all ages and abilities across the UK and Ireland.
Founded in September 2021 in Tickhill by three volunteers, Dadesley Crafting began by delivering a crochet group and a free yarn group once a week.
The group’s aim was to bring people together, using craft to combat loneliness and improve mental health and wellbeing. This volunteer-led, inclusive group allows everyone from the community to join, so people with dementia can be found crafting alongside those with anxiety.
In 2022, they opened a dedicated craft room at a second site and are now open six days a week, with a growing membership of more than 100 people aged between 18 and 90. They offered 65 different craft workshops, all aimed at beginners, providing support in every session from threading a needle to simply holding someone’s hand and listening.
They also work with other local groups such as Fun-filled Days, who provide social activities for adults with mild learning disabilities, and Circles, who help older people connect with their community.
“The input, ideas and views of volunteers are invaluable to us, with each one bringing their own unique skill set,” said Michelle Dunn of Dadesley Crafting.
“People help to make tea and coffee, sort donations, and create things for us to sell – which helps raise much-needed funds. We are determined that everyone who comes to Dadesley Crafting – volunteers and members – will flourish in this community group. We’re looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”
The group now offers over 75 different craft workshops, including model train designing, matchstick marquetry and lino printing. They’re still operating from both sites (Tickhill Parish Room and Flourish Enterprises) and are hoping to add even more workshops soon.
For more information, visit www.dadesleycrafting.co.uk or search Dadesley Crafting on Facebook and Instagram.