When crafting is caring
9th April 2026 | 4 min read
For people living with dementia, creative pursuits stimulate the mind and help maintain their dexterity for longer. And often the benefits extend beyond the individual.
Being actively involved in the local community is a way of life at Narraweena Grove Care Community, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. When our creative residents were searching for a project to combine their talents with a deeper purpose, wellbeing manager Kathrin found a perfect match with the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter.
Residents created 40 exquisite scarves, which they were proud to donate to women and children in need of essentials.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for our residents,” says Kathrin. “As well as exercising their fine motor skills, knitting brings people together and keeps their community connections strong, so it’s great for social wellbeing.”
Meet our knitters
Growing up in post-war Austria, Christa has always had empathy for people who need some extra help, so she jumped at the opportunity to put her skills to use for a greater good.
“I love to knit, and it’s nice to know I’m contributing,” she says. “I know the work I do will be passed on to somebody who needs it.”
Over the years, fellow resident Patricia knitted squares for local schools for students to stitch together as blankets, so her work for the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter is a natural extension of her caring nature.
“It feels good to help people,” she says. “When people compliment my work, I feel proud and I know that what I’m doing is valuable.”
“For the women we support, these donations help bring dignity and they’re a tangible sign that people in our local community care about them,” says Kim, volunteer coordinator at Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter.
“That Narraweena Grove’s residents took the time to make these beautiful items shows their care and compassion. And for some of the ladies we support, it reminds them of a skill they may have enjoyed pursuing when they felt safe, so it reignites that interest.”
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