NORTHWICH Library is collecting items which can be used to help people with dementia relax.

Handmade for Dementia North West and UK has set up a drop-off point at the library in Witton Street for people to donate items which can be used to produce mitts, sleeves and boards for people with dementia.

The group was set up in 2016 by Sharon Wallace, a care home singer from Chester, who has seen first-hand the effects dementia has on those who have it.

“For people at some stages of dementia they can get really restless and fidgety, and they can pick away at their clothes as a result,” she told the Guardian.

“So that’s why these items have been developed, to give those who have dementia an item to twiddle with, which helps them to relax.

“We have been doing this for 20 months now and already we have knitted 1,500 items in Cheshire.”

Handmade for Dementia produces twiddle mitts, cannula sleeves, fidget blankets and boards, and comfort dolls for people living with dementia.

Each item is designed to provide comfort to those with the condition, while the cannula sleeves prevent dementia patients from pulling out cannula tubes while being treated in hospital.

“Our aim is to donate as many items items as possible to hospitals and care homes across west Cheshire, or to anyone who requires them for a loved one or friend,” Sharon added.

“We do not sell these items, however we are always grateful to receive donations.”

Handmade for Dementia is looking for donations of wool, ribbon, zips, curtain rings, braces, boat hooks, light switches, plugs, door chains, gate hooks, bike bells and door knockers, which can all be used on the various items it produces.

For more information email Sharon on sharonholdstock@aol.com