Hillcrest Hospital residents create crafts for sale

Hillcrest Hospital residents spend every Monday doing arts and crafts as part of their occupational therapy, as mental and physical stimulation and as a way of raising a bit of pocket money for themselves.

The residents are taught skills such as painting, weaving, knitting, beading and crocheting by a group of volunteers, headed by Mary Swindell.

“Hillcrest Hospital Cottage Industries has been operating for over twenty years, and the residents just love it. It gives them a chance to be together and also to earn a little bit of extra toiletry money.”

The finished articles, which include paintings that have been made into cards, crochet blankets, knitted products and weaved bags are sold when there is enough stock at a stand in places like Richards Spar in Hillcrest, or can be viewed and purchased directly from the Hillcrest Hospital in Hospital Road, Hillcrest.

Ten per cent of the profits from the products sold and money made from sales from the second-hand shop at the Hillcrest Hospital are used to buy more supplies and materials for the crafts. Donations are always welcome. The rest of the money goes to the artist or crafter.

Volunteers are also needed who can help with the crafts on a Monday morning at the hospital.

Mary Swindell can be contacted on 031 777 1437.