The project, which was launched at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), aims to supply creations called sensory bands which are knitted bands with trimmings on both the outside and inside of ribbons, beads, buttons and zips, to patients in the later stages of dementia.

Sensory bands are used to promote stimulation and a sense of wellbeing and have proven useful for patients living with severe dementia.

Integrated Dementia Services Project Manager, Liz Yaxley, explained: “The sensory band was designed to help people find comfort in tactile stimulation which they may be missing, especially when they are away from home. The bands can be reassuring and help people to feel more relaxed and safe.

“The soft material bands contain strands of textured ribbons, beads and various fabrics attached both inside and outside which are lovely to touch. They can be costly if ordered from the internet so we are hoping that volunteers will come forward to put their knitting skills to good use.”

“Approximately a quarter of our patients at any one time will have a form of dementia or confusion and the number is growing so we want to make our hospitals, services and environments as friendly for people with dementia as possible.”

“To coincide with our #iCare campaign we also ask any of our knitters to take a photo of themselves making the sensory bands and send it to us on twitter using the hashtag and twitter handle @nnuh to help show the variety of ways we can help patients with dementia.”

To become a sensory band knitter please email [email protected].

To download or view a sensory band pattern please click on image below: