IN a bid to involve the younger section of the Alton community in dementia awareness, primary schools were provided with patterns over the Christmas holidays, so that the children could design and make a ‘twiddlemuff’ with the help of their family.

Twiddlemuffs are knitted hand muffs with textured items attached inside and out.

Researchers have found that they provide simple stimulation for people with dementia and other memory conditions by soothing restless hands, minimising agitation and increasing flexibility.

Children at Alton Infant School (pictured) and The Butts Primary School were keen to get involved, with many pupils joining in the fun.

Around 50 twiddlemuffs have been made so far and have been donated to elderly folk living at Brendoncare Alton, The Lawns at Holybourne, Alton Community Hospital, and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Jayne Broach, headteacher at Alton Infant School, was so keen for the children to understand what Dementia-friendly Alton was all about and how they and their parents could get involved that she invited Dementia Friends volunteer Judy Aiken to lead a special school assembly.

Dementia-friendly Alton chairman Karen Murrell said: “With Alton Infant School, St Mary’s School, Bentwort,h and The Butts now having completed action plans for their on-going dementia-friendly activity, it is hoped that more schools in Alton and the surrounding villages will sign up and get involved.”

For more details about Dementia-friendly Alton, visit dementia-friendly-alton.org.uk or call 07922 022321.