NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way Team set up a knitting club in their spare time; ‘Knit Your Way’ to create dog blankets which were donated to the nearest Dogs Trust office in Glasgow.
The kind hearted team knitted enough square patches to make 20 dog blankets, which are for the dogs to have in their beds whilst they wait on their new homes.
The knitting club was set up by team leader, Jacqueline MacDonald, as an out of office activity for the team to socialise, learn a new skill and create something together. Jacqueline taught those who were interested in learning how to knit, how to make a square so they could all be stitched together into bigger blankets.
Jacqueline, said: “I love knitting and get such satisfaction when I complete an item, I also find it very relaxing.
“After speaking to a few team members who had shown an interest to learn, I set up ‘Knit Your Way’ for anyone who wanted to come along, and had a great response.
“I feel very proud that all who joined appear to be enjoying the knitting group. I love that they have shared knitting with their friends and extended family members – we even had some mums helping them to knit and also donated some squares.
“The knitting group has brought so many benefits to us as a team and it’s great to think that we are also having a positive impact too by donating our knitting. We are a team of dog lovers and Dogs Trust was a fantastic cause for us to donate our blankets too. I hope that the blankets can help keep the dogs cosy whilst they wait on their new families.”
Sandra Downie, Manager of Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre, said: “We were incredibly grateful to receive these beautiful blankets which are very handy for our dogs. We were touched the knitting club thought of donating the blankets to our rescue dogs who love being snug in their kennels while they await their forever homes. Thanks to all the knitters for their kindness.”
The Quit Your Way team also links in with the local community to raise awareness of the harms of second-hand smoke to family members, including dogs and pets of all kinds.
Karen Mather, Prevention and Protection Team Leader, Quit Your Way, added: “We want to give our family the best and healthiest lives we can, and this includes our pets.
“Many Lanarkshire residents love their pets like additional family members and may not be aware that their pets are at risk of health issues from exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking outside won’t completely protect our pets, but it will reduce the risk. However, the best option to protect others is to quit.”
“We understand that nicotine is a powerful and addictive substance, help and support tailored to each person’s needs are available to support anyone to stop smoking through Quit Your Way Lanarkshire.”
Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more about second-hand smoke or more information on stop smoking services, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.
