When a Morning Tea Conversation Inspires Something More
Story by Jade Field, Care Coordinator, Bendigo
Two Bendigo GreenConnect carers who worked together to create a handmade blanket for the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation
Friendship, creativity and volunteering were all part of the conversation when the Bendigo GreenConnect group gathered for its October morning tea.
Six new participants were welcomed to the group of 34, who enjoyed coffee and cake at Omari Café in the beautiful surrounds of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens.
Among the conversations was a story that began at a GreenConnect morning tea earlier this year – and has since grown into something quite special.
One of our carers is a longtime supporter of the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, which supports women in Ethiopia who have experienced significant childbirth injury. When she spoke about the foundation at an earlier morning tea and mentioned that donations were always appreciated, it inspired two other GreenConnect carers to put their hands to work.
Together, they created a handmade blanket to send to the foundation.
“She inspired me to get back to knitting. I’d given it away but I decided I’d get stuck in and make some squares.”
What started with one person picking up her knitting needles again soon became a shared project.
“It was a joint venture – she knitted the squares, I sewed them together and a friend crocheted the edging.”
It was a lovely example of the friendships that can grow through GreenConnect – and of one conversation leading to something none of those involved may have anticipated when they first sat down together for morning tea.
Finding joy through creativity
Creativity was also a strong theme during the morning.
One GreenConnect participant spoke about her love of art and the role it plays as she navigates the changes dementia brings. Creating gives her the freedom to express her emotions and remains an important source of joy.
She is not alone. Art and music bring great comfort and enjoyment to many GreenConnect participants, and we always enjoy seeing the things they create and hearing what those activities mean to them.
What stood out this month was how much can grow from something as simple as sitting down together over coffee. A shared interest, an old hobby picked up again, a new friendship, an idea that turns into something unexpected.
The Bendigo group is now looking forward to its November gathering, when Fiona from Dementia Support Australia will join us as a special guest.
GreenConnect: Building Community and Connection
GreenConnect is dedicated to providing meaningful, enjoyable experiences for individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia and their carers. Our nature-based activities for people with dementia in Mildura and Bendigo offer participants a chance to relax, foster friendships, and enjoy a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.
Get Involved with GreenConnect
GreenConnect is always looking for new business partners, accommodation providers, and care organisations to join the network. If you’re interested in supporting the dementia respite project and helping provide vital services to individuals with dementia, reach out today to learn more about how you can contribute.