Guisborough Craft Group Tackles Loneliness with Tea, Cake and Community

A weekly craft group at Guisborough Salvation Army is helping people of all ages combat loneliness while learning new skills and enjoying plenty of cake.

The Craft and Cake sessions, held every Thursday afternoon at the hall on Westgate, are led by volunteers Kath and Maureen, both in their 80s. The group was started two years ago to provide a warm space during colder months, particularly when winter fuel payments changed.

"The heating's always on in the hall so we thought this is a warm place for people to come and have a chat," Kath explained. "They can bring their own craft projects to work on and we've tried things like silk painting and glass painting. There's always cake."

Attendees range from nine-year-old Mia, who enjoys crocheting dragons, to retired officer John who values the fellowship and company. Local primary school children recently joined to sew hearts they could keep or give to someone who had shown them kindness.

Many regulars use their skills to help others, knitting hats for premature babies and making quilts for veterans. The group meets every Thursday from 1pm to 4pm and welcomes everyone.