• Emmaus Bolton have donated knitted ‘twiddle muffs’ and blankets to Royal Bolton Hospital
• Items feature a range of colours and textiles with the aim of keeping hands busy and active
• Muffs and blankets will support patients who require extra comfort to lower anxiety in hospital

Patients at Royal Bolton Hospital will benefit from extra comfort and distraction thanks to the donation of bespoke ‘twiddle muffs’ and lap blankets from Emmaus Bolton.

An amazing team of sewing volunteers from the social community and social enterprise charity converted scrap and redundant textiles into the twiddle muffs and blankets, which provide sensory stimulation and distraction.

Joy Redwood, Enhanced Care Lead at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

We’re really thankful for the beautifully made products for our patients. We’ll be able to use them on our wards for patients with dementia, learning disabilities or cognitive impartments, who may require extra comfort or support to lower distress and anxiety whilst in our care.

“Emmaus Bolton have designed the muffs and blankets without buttons or items that could cause harm, but are still tactile to create comfort and stimulation, or even simply helping to occupy restless or cold hands.

The muffs and blankets will be shared with patients on the hospital’s acute adult wards and Emergency Department.

The designs feature a range of different colours and textiles with the aim of keeping people’s hands active and busy.

Tony Stephenson, Chief Executive of Emmaus Bolton, said:

We were really pleased to be asked to make the twiddle muffs and blankets for Royal Bolton Hospital, which are also available in our shop at Derby Barracks.

“This donation wouldn’t be possible without our sewing volunteers who created these beautiful designs for patients. These twiddle muffs are a solidarity gift to Royal Bolton Hospital from our community.

“Over the years we have built a fantastic relationship with the hospital and have worked in collaboration on several projects. This is a huge thank you to all our friends at the hospital for all the support and care you have given to our companions. Thank you.

Hazel Walker, one of the volunteers who made the products, said:

We really enjoyed making the twiddle muffs. It’s great to know that they will be used to help patients at the hospital. They are all hand made from recycled material and scraps.

For more information about Emmaus Bolton, please visit their website.