A crafting group that has been described as their member’s “happy place” has won a top award for the work they do bringing people together.
Sew Mindful Crafts CIC, won the ‘New Business Making a Difference’ title at the Pride of Edlington awards.
The event, held by Edlington Town Council to celebrate people who make Edlington a better place, took place at Crookhill Park in Doncaster on Friday.
Founder Mick Perry, who started the company in 2022, said: “This award means so much because it reflects the people behind Sew Mindful crafts, our amazing volunteers, tutors, supporters, and every single person who walks through our doors.”
The group began to help people who were suffering from the effects of the pandemic.
Mr Perry wanted to create something “for the community that will make an impact and make a difference”.
Sew Mindful works with the NHS to help people who suffer with anxiety and other mental health problems, and also create hand-crafted signs to raise awareness of conditions.
Research has shown that crafting improves mood and gets you out of your comfort zone.
All of the equipment is provided free of charge.
Mr Perry said: “Some people can’t afford to start sewing on their own, we wanted to tear down those barriers.”
Janet, a frequent customer said: “It’s my safe, happy place and I look forward to it every week. Every time I call my 88-year-old dad in Scotland he asks me if I’ve been to my sewing classes as he worries about me being alone.”
It also hosts IT workshops for people 16 and over, plus classes in photography, quilting and toy-making.
In 2024, it was expanded to include Thursday Men’s Club as a creative alternative to groups like Andy’s Man Club, funded by the National Lottery. Now 20 men attend every week.
Mr Perry said: “People will open up if they trust you. There’s nobody else doing something like this.”
They group even created a song, which reached 3,000 views in 24 hours; and have created a podcast to help keep the community informed.
The second episode was released today.
Sew Mindful is now fundraising for a bigger premises and to eventually become a charity.
Mr Perry said: “We want to give people a platform to build their confidence, give them some training in the areas that they want and then hopefully they can step into job roles.”
They are available @sewmindfulcrafts on Facebook and Instagram, via email @ info@sewmindfulcrafts.co.uk and on its website.