Knitters at the Hope Centre in Macclesfield have been busy supporting East Cheshire Hospice.
Their handiwork has resulted in dozens of colourful woollen hearts and hats for the charity.
The hearts are given to patients and their families, while the hats decorate chocolate oranges sold in the gift shop at the Hospice on Millbank Drive.
The Knitting4charity group meet every Thursday (10-12) inside a café, using their creative skills for various organisations.
They made poppies for the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Sunday before switching their focus to the Hospice.
Each project usually lasts five weeks and their next task is creating Twiddlemuffs.
These knitted hand muffs, with objects attached, act as a sensory tool for those with dementia, anxiety or learning disabilities.
The idea came from Hope Centre trustee Marion Tugwood, the Hospice chaplain.
The centre runs a dementia music café on Tuesdays and friendship and colouring craft sessions on Wednesdays.
Ruth Corn, who joined as manager six months ago, sees the benefit of these gatherings.
She said: “Knitting4Charity is a new initiative in our café area at the Hope Centre. Everyone is welcome to come and join in these morning drop-in sessions and enjoy a coffee.
“Importantly, people are connecting. Our aim is to combat isolation and loneliness, and these groups work perfectly and are popular.
“One lady who felt quite isolated came along with a friend and benefited from being here.
“They’re only small groups run by volunteers with sessions only lasting for a couple of hours.”
Organiser Dorothy Fisher said: “They’re a nice group and they welcome the chance to meet others. We have some lovely conversations.”
In addition, the centre supports volunteers, including some who run the coffee shop.
Ruth said: “Volunteers may have been bereaved and might be looking for a new role in the community. Others may be young and trying to find employment.
“Maybe their mental health has suffered, and their confidence destroyed and they need support. Some learn barista skills and one young lady based here found a job.
“We’re a small not-for-profit charity and are struggling financially so we’d be glad of any help, whether it’s through monthly giving or sponsorship.
“For instance, we’re hoping to run cookery classes for free but need a sponsor.”
Email Ruth at managerhopecentremacclesfield@gmail.com or telephone 01625 404384.
* For session details visit www.hopecentremacclesfield.co.uk/