Toys get dolled up in aid of dementia patients

Charity volunteers have given a heartfelt thank you for the toys donated to their Dementia Dolls campaign.
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Care and Share Blackpool put out the call for dolls just a few weeks ago, and more than 30 have already been dropped off at the charity’s home on Tarnside, Mereside.

The dolls have been cleaned up and dressed in new clothes, most of which have been made by volunteer Carole Cox and her team of natty knitters aged from 84 to 97.

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The dolls are being given to care homes and hospital wards for use by people living with dementia.

Linda McEvillyLinda McEvilly
Linda McEvilly

They form part of a therapy for dementia patients.

Linda McEvilly, Care and Share founder, said: “We started working with dementia patients when some of our volunteers knitted twiddle blankets, and it was mentioned that these dolls

would also be beneficial.

“Having a doll of their own can be soothing for someone with dementia and can help to reduce anxiety and even improve their well-being.

Linda McEvillyLinda McEvilly
Linda McEvilly

“We have several volunteers who like to knit and wanted to make little outfits for the dolls so everything would be fresh and new.

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“But the one thing we didn’t have was the dolls, until we put the call out, and we got a fantastic response.

“We really want to thank everyone who passed on one of their well-loved toys.

“We’ve refreshed the dolls and started handing them out, and hopefully they’re already making someone’s day a little more pleasant.”

The charity is still accepting the Baby Annabel type dolls as well as new or good-as-new toys, biscuits, chocolates, hats, scarves and gloves, and new toiletries for its Christmas gift

campaign. Visit Care and Share Blackpool on Facebook or visit them at 5 Tarnside from Monday to Friday between 10am and noon.

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