Mask Making Workshops

Benefit of learning new skills - sewing

Keep learning is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, five evidence-based actions which can improve personal wellbeing. Adults engaged in lifelong learning are more likely to be healthier, have better mental health and be more social connected. They are also more likely to participate in the community and decisions concerning the community. Learning new skills increases individuals’ employability, supporting the economic growth of the community. Adults involved in learning are more likely to be involved in their children’s education, helping them learn and raise attainment.

Location

Longsight

Project team

Buzz Health & Wellbeing Services (Neighbourhood Health Worker)

We Matter CIC

Longsight Community Primary School

Aim

This project aimed to:

• Improve wellbeing and reduce isolation through activity
• Engage groups in considering COVID restrictions and guidelines
• Provide individuals with a reusable face mask to support social distancing measures

Testimonies:

“I'm so impressed with your efficiency. I think Longsight will definitely benefit with you supporting our community.” – We Matter

Women stated that they were glad to leave the house and interact with other women.

A request was made for more activities.

Evaluation

The workshop at Longsight Community Primary School was a success, factoring in COVID-19 restrictions. 6 women attended (as per restrictions for social distancing).

It was found that participants were not washing masks after each use. One participant told the group that her son had worn the same disposable mask for 2 weeks whilst attending school.

All participants made 2 masks. They talked about making more at home. Participants gained an understanding of the need to wear masks and also to wash the masks regularly.

The project started out in person, distanced, workshops at a primary school. Due to COVID restrictions the remainder of the funding was used to create and distribute at home make a mask kits.

There is a plan for further workshops with different parents, and different school, in the future.

Strategic links to local/national policies

Research/evidence base

Duckworth, K. and Cara, O. (2012) The Relationship between Adult Learning and Wellbeing: Evidence from the 1958 National Child Development Study.

Feinstein, L., Budge, D., Vorhaus, J. and Duckworth, K. (2008). The social and personal benefits of learning: A summary of key research findings

Foresight, Government Office for Science (2017) - What are the wider benefits of learning across the life course?

New Economics Foundation (2008) – Five ways to wellbeing

NIACE (2011) - Social value of adult learning for community empowerment.

Contact

Nico Dhillon - Neighbourhood Health Worker

nico.dhillon@gmmh.nhs.uk

T. 07553 708 029