Through Connection.

Connection with others is one of the things that people need to live a happy and fulfilling life; it is a basic innate need within all of us.

Connection helps us to feel more joy within ourselves, our relationships and the world in general. 

Research shows that when we feel connection with other people we have:

• Better sleep

• Increased positive emotions

• Increased emotional wellbeing

• A stronger immune system

• Improved relationships

• Increased self esteem and self worth

• Are better able to manage stress

• Are better able to recover from illness and injury quicker

Recent neuroscience research by Professor Usha Goswami, the founding director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education at Cambridge University has found ‘…if two people are engaged in a joint activity – for example juggling, playing a duet, having a conversation – their brain waves line up. This brain alignment may be why we feel a greater connection.’  You can read the full article here

If you are a family member…

…it may be that you are a carer and need a little time to yourself, safe in the knowledge that your loved one is being cared for and also enjoying their own little bit of me time.

Or

You might live away from a relative or find yourself as part of the sandwich generation and just can’t spend as much time as you would like with your loved one and would welcome the support of a family member. Regular visits (from myself) can be helpful in monitoring a family member's wellbeing. 

Loneliness and Lack of Connection

Unfortunately, due to many reasons loneliness and the lack of social connections are increasing in our society. There is substantial evidence that loneliness can, when experienced severely or over a prolonged period of time, have detrimental effects on our physical as well as emotional health. (Such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cognitive decline, dementia, and depression).

Loneliness can affect anyone of any age. I can work with adults of any age and will endeavor to tailor activities to individual needs and capabilities.

Further information on loneliness and social isolation can be found here:

• A link to January 2025’s The World Health Organisation Director-General’s report on mental health and social connection can be found here.

• A link to The Mental Health Foundations report 2022 on Loneliness and Mental Health in the UK can be found here, it includes facts, breaks myths and suggests coping strategies if you scroll to the end of the report.

• Campaign to End Loneliness hosted by Sheffield Hallam University can be found here. It includes advice and ideas if you are feeling lonely as well as recent research, policy and guidance.

And the benefits of crafting here:

• A lovely article from Laine publishing tells of the benefits of knitting and crafting, including improvements in cognitive skills, self- efficacy, self-esteem, confidence and resilience. “Research has shown that knitting, and other similar crafts, can slow down the loss of cognitive ability by as much as 50 percent.” It also tells how knitting has helped people to manage pain, anorexia and addictions. 

  If you are in need of a little crafting inspiration I can highly recommend Woolfull, a relaxed and friendly independent Yarn shop set in pretty Peak District surroundings. If you can’t get in in person their website is full of crafty delights including their own designed and produced cross stitch kits of local scenes such as Ladybower Reservoir and Mam Tor, Yarns from Indie dyers (some produced exclusively for them), patterns, needle felting and much more all of which can be posted.