23/03/2026
I have been asked recently why I teach such simple knits. Let me explain….
Woolwellness UK is more than just a wool shop. Knitting is more than just a way to make an item of clothing.
Woolwellness UK launched in the Autumn of 2022 as an organisation that supported individuals with their mental health and well-being particularly children and young people. I offer an official social prescribing service for Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire for anyone who feels that learning a wool craft may have a positive impact on their lives.
The rhythmic movements of handwork, be it knitting, crochet, or tapestry can help the brain and body connect in ways that soothe and clear the mind.
As an educator I was always looking for ways to help my students to cope with the demands of a changing society. Although I taught the Sciences I trained as a Yoga and mindfulness teacher and brought that into the classroom in the hope that this would help to support their well-being. However I found that while they did benefit from the physical aspect of the yoga practice they were still struggling to connect their mind to body. More students were showing signs of anxiety and depression. Lacking resilience to cope with life's pressures. I wanted to help. Then Covid hit. The rise in mental health referrals in young people went through the roof. I quit teaching Science and began teaching skills.
The only way I could help was to show them what I did to support my own mental health. I knitted. I've knitted to help me through the loss of babies. I've knitted to help me sit with the grief of losing my mother. I’ve knitted to calm me when having panic attacks or feelings of self harm. I have actually knitted during a hospital procedure to distract me from pain. I knit to show love to another. I knit as an act of rebellion in a fast moving World. Knitting is now my post-apocalyptic life skill of choice!
This isn’t new, its something that generations of people have done before me and many many still do.
When teaching people to knit to help support their mental health, often they don't need another challenge in their life. They need the simplicity of the rhythmic movements. The calming process and knowing that when all else fails they can Just Keep Knitting.
I don't go anywhere without my First Aid Knit. A ball of wool and some knitting needles.
I do have the skills to knit complex things. I choose to keep it simple. Life can be challenging enough.
Visit - www.woolwellnessuk.org to learn more or visit me in person at Newport Indoor Market Shropshire to chat about how to get started, your way.
Lucy x
