Mothers’ Union members have stepped up their support for local communities across the diocese during the COVID-19 crisis.
Meaningful keepsakes in the form of pairs of hearts to share with hospitalised loved ones have been knitted by MU members.
And more than 1,000 essential items including handmade scrubs bags, scrubs, ear protectors and mask straps have been sent to local hospitals and community settings.
Diocesan President Jean Thurman said members are fulfilling local requests from front line NHS staff in hospitals, as well as from staff in community care settings.
Mothers’ Union’s scrubs bags help ensure that staff can remove all clothing and keep it safely in a bag, reducing the possibility of infection in the home, keeping their families and households safe, which is what Mothers’ Union is all about.
“All across Yorkshire we have been working with the local community and through partnerships to ensure what we’re making and doing is getting to where it is needed, quickly and safely,” Jean said.
“The headbands and ear protectors for care staff that are wearing masks all day long help them feel that bit more comfortable.
“They are putting themselves at risk and doing such a tremendous job, it’s the least we can do.”
Matching pairs of knitted, crocheted and sewn hearts are also being made.
Visiting restrictions mean that patients and their families are separated, but hospital staff are trying to ease the pain by giving each family a keepsake.
Matching pairs of knitted hearts are given to the patient and their family, so that people can feel more connected with their relatives.
The hearts are posted to each family, with a small greetings card.
“Having something to touch and hold, and knowing that their relative has the exact matching heart with them during the last hours of their life is incredibly special and it helps people to process their grief,” Jean said.
“ It brings comfort to families at a time of great distress. Hearts are made in all sorts of designs, knitted, crocheted and sewn fabric.”