Submitted by sandra.jackson_392 on
Crafty Spooners are a social craft group, open to everybody who wants to come along to have a chat and a coffee. Group members bring their own activity to complete and share with others. This can include a whole range of craft activities such as drawing, crochet, knitting, etc. The group meets each Monday 10am – 12pm at The Society Rooms (Weatherspoons) in Stalybridge.
Sue, the organiser of Crafty Spooners decided that they should carry out a group activity to support a fund raising activity. The group had a discussion in one of their sessions and came up with the idea of making different kinds of jewellery pieces which could be put together in different creative ways and make costume jewellery and sell it at an open event at Willow Wood Hospice. Crafty Spooners have always worked closely with Willow Wood Hospice, supporting their many fundraising ideas and working with the team to help generate donations.
The idea was taken to the fundraising lead at Willow Wood Hospice who said it would be fantastic to have a stand at the event and would really demonstrate community support and outreach.
The group planned to raise funds to purchase the single piece jewellery items that would be made into finished, decorative pieces to sell. Jonathan King from Action Together attended a meeting to discuss ideas and stated that a jewellery craft activity could be funded by the Action Together Seed Fund. The Seed Fund gave groups an opportunity to test ideas out and they could apply for up to £150.00.
This was fantastic news, as once the items were purchased for the group it brought all the Crafty Spooners together (30 people) to work together on their design ideas.
Sue, the organiser stated:
“Jewellery making is such a creative and intricate craft and we had all the members talking about different ideas and developing new relationships”.
The crafting involved a lot of patience and over the space of 6 weeks the group made a 1000 items to be sold to at the stall at Willow Wood Hospice.
Through the Seed Fund the group not only were able to take on the creative challenge of making the jewellery but they were also able to work as a team to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
Teamwork within community groups is essential for achieving common goals and making a positive impact. It fosters a sense of belonging, promotes collaboration among members, encourages sharing of resources and skills, and strengthens community bonds. Working together amplifies the group's effectiveness and creates a sense of unity within the community.
If your group would like support with a funding application, please contact us at development@actiontogether.org.uk