Tom’s story

I first became involved with mental health services after I was attacked and was left partially sighted. I came across the Recovery College after Single Point of Access recommended them to me. I wanted to be kept busy and find something to occupy my time now (I used to be a hairdresser and was very crafty), so, with the support of my family, I decided to enrol on the learn to knit and crochet course. Whilst I could knit (having known how to do this before I lost my sight) I did not know how to crochet and had an aim of making my own blanket.

The Recovery College were very helpful, meeting me before the course, making sure everything for the course was suitable for me and advising me of the equipment I might need to use. They sourced appropriately large yarn and practical advice from the Wool Couture Company, who then helped to demonstrate how to start off my blanket and how I would use super chunky yarn using largely touch, rather than sight.

Because I was supported and given the right tools and equipment by the team at the Recovery College, and then given support and advice from Ann and Elaine who teach the course, I was able to practice making my blanket during the learn to knit and crochet course and successfully complete my blanket at home.

I now have an activity to keep me busy during longer and darker nights. I am not bored, I have extended my social circle and attend a knit and natter group at the Wool Couture Company twice a week (it’s not fuddy duddy like you might think!) and I feel that this has given me some worth.