Fiddle rugs donated to hospitals

The ladies at the Safety Bay Country Women’s Association are on a mission to help those suffering from dementia.

As part of the CWA’s objective to improve the wellbeing of all people, the Safety Bay branch has been busy creating fiddle rugs — blankets that can be used to soothe and distract.

It is common during the later stages of dementia for people to fidget as though agitated and search for something to hold and the fiddle rugs created by the CWA team feature zips, buttons, beads and bright colours and also images of animals or flowers to trigger memories.

CWA member Joyce Ralston said the group donated the rugs to hospitals and nursing homes.

“Over the last few years we have donated hundreds of rugs to Royal Perth Hospital, Rockingham General Hospital and a number of nursing homes in the area,” she said.

“We also create trauma teddies, hospital dolls and crochet blankets for donation as well.”

The Safety Bay CWA is just one of 131 branches throughout WA and is celebrating its 70th birthday in August.

The group of 25 women meet each month and take on fundraising activities and provide a voice to the Government to seek solutions for families facing difficulties.

New members of any age are always encouraged to join with the Safety Bay Belles now an option for younger women.