A health and social care student at City of Wolverhampton College is helping to support patients with dementia who are being treated at New Cross Hospital by making a range of items to help them feel calmer.
Jess James-Causer, from Eastfield, who is studying for a Level 3 diploma in health and social care, is a clinical volunteer on Ward C56 and has been sewing bells, ribbons, buttons, beads, zippers and pom-poms to twiddle muffs and woollen blankets – and has recruited her mum and sister to help too!
The 17-year-old, who has been volunteering at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust since January 2023, said: “I spoke to one of the dementia nurses and asked what the patients like to do and she told me about the twiddle muffs.
“My mum started crocheting for something to do before lockdown and now she can do it without looking, it’s like muscle memory. My sister asked if she could help out and she crochets the twiddle muffs too.
“We let patients take them home once we’ve given them out – it’s something positive to remember their hospital stay by, and it makes them happy because they can get quite agitated.
“The twiddle muffs have a calming effect which makes people’s jobs easier.”
Jess, who also supports staff in the Wellbeing Hub and on Ward A31 ophthalmology, and is part of the arts and heritage programme at West Park Hospital, added: “I used to see my neighbour going to work at New Cross Hospital and always thought I wanted to work in a hospital setting and help people.
“Gradually I’ve wanted to look into the possibility of working in Speech and Language Therapy or special educational needs in adults.
“We lived with my grandad, and my mum, who cared for my great nan who had dementia, has given me tips and ideas.”
Dawn Southey, senior advanced nurse practitioner and dementia lead on C56, said: “You can see the calming effect the blankets and twiddle muffs have on patients, as well as seeing their confidence return – it makes so much difference.”
Ashleigh Key, volunteer coordinator at the trust, said: “We are so proud of everything Jess does. She is an asset to our volunteer service and goes above and beyond in everything she does to support our staff and improve patient experience.”
In honour of her support, Jess was given a Rising Star Award at the joint RHT Charity and Volunteer Awards at the Molineux Stadium.
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Picture credit: Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
