THE kind-hearted ladies of Woolavington Women’s Institute have been busy making lots of Twiddlemuffs which they have kindly donated to Notaro Care Homes new home, Casa di Lusso, on Bower Lane.

The ladies of the WI surprised staff and residents at the home in Bridgwater, on Tuesday when they turned up carrying two boxes full of the brightly coloured, tactile gifts.

Twiddlemuffs can often provide an engaging distraction for individuals living with dementia, as the condition can cause a common symptom of restless hands, particularly if the individual has been accustomed to performing manual activities during their life.

Twiddlemuffs are knitted in bright colours and are decorated with tactile sensory trims such as zips, buttons and beads, allowing for busy hands to manipulate them.

Being made of wool, they also provide warmth to cold hands, often another symptom related to Alzheimer’s.

Teresa Hamm, president of the WI, Woolavington explained to the staff at Casa di Lusso how they have enjoyed making the sensory gifts during their needle workshops and largely in their own spare time.

She said: “It’s an absolute joy to be able to make them for people who need them, and knowing they will go some way in helping them with their dementia is wonderful."

Kim Leech, manager of Casa di Lusso, said: "We are over the moon and grateful with the very generous donation from the WI.

"I feel sure our residents are going to love them as much as we do, we can’t thank them enough.

"The Twiddlemuffs are wonderful as they add a sensory experience and colour."