A knitting group, formed by patients at Penn Hospital, recently took part in a creative project to help support a local animal charity.
Patients staying at the hospital - owned by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - knitted a range of blankets for Wings and Paws Rescue, a small non-profit voluntary animal rescue based in the Wolverhampton suburb.
Wings and Paws Rescue was founded in 2018 as a solely voluntary, self-funded animal rescue. Created to ensure any neglected, stray, feral or unloved animal will get the best chance at finding a forever home and a better life, the group rely on fundraising and donations to continue their work.
For patients, creative therapies such as knitting allow for self-expression in a therapeutic environment, focusing on a new activity while receiving treatment. Many of those staying on the ward were keen knitters and pet owners and formed the knitting group to combine these two passions. These creations will help to support several animals while they remain in the care of Wings and Paws Rescue.
Clare Vowles, Founder at Wings and Paws Rescue, said: “We are absolutely blown away by the kindness and creativity shown by the patients and staff on Meadow Ward. These beautifully knitted blankets are more than just warm layers - they’re little pieces of love that will comfort and soothe the animals in our care.
“From the bottom of our paws and hearts, thank you! Your time, talent and generosity mean the world to us, and to the many animals who now get to snuggle up in something made with such care. It’s acts of compassion like this that remind us what community really means - people coming together to make a difference.”
Louise Hassel, Healthcare Support Worker at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“It’s great to have the opportunity to make a positive local impact. It’s even better when our patients can get involved with this in a way that provides a benefit to them.
“We’re delighted to be able to donate these blankets to Wings and Paws, which were created by our patients over several months. Working together as part of the knitting group offered so many benefits to our patients – helping them to feel part of a community and focus on something creative for a good cause, just around the corner from the hospital.”