
Mask Making Workshops
Providing residents with the tools to protect their health and wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic.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
Benefit |
Policy |
Helping people live healthier lives |
Healthy Lives, Healthy People (MH Government, 2010) The Manchester Locality Plan – A Healthier Manchester |
Increased mental wellbeing |
|
Increasing community involvement |
|
Socially connected communities |
|
Employability |
NHS Five Year Forward View (Department of Health, 2014) Taking Charge of our Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester (GMCA, 2015) |
Giving children the best start in life |
Taking Charge of our Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester (GMCA, 2015) |
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
T. 07553 708 029
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