TechnoStitch event unites old and young

TechnoStitch is an initiative bringing knitters and young people together to promote mutual learning and the sharing of different skills.

Brownlow Library’s Knit and Natter group will join with pupils from Lismore Comprehensive School for this special event, to mark Adult Learner’s Week.

Members of the knitting group will share their knowledge of traditional crafts such as knitting and crochet, with pupils in turn sharing their technical skills in using devices - this could be demonstrating how to use a smartphone to text, download e-books on an i-pad, or how to access Wi-Fi in the library.

TechnoStitch is a wonderful opportunity to promote the ways to wellbeing through the public library, providing opportunities such as trying out new skills, connecting with people and giving something back through mutual learning.

It is brought to the library as part of Libraries NI’s Health in Mind project, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing through information, learning and reading.

Sarah Crowther, Information Co-ordinator of Health in Mind, said: “TechnoStitch is an exciting way of bringing people together to share different skills. Knitting and craft activities have become a staple offer in public libraries and this is a chance not only to pass on these skills to a younger generation but to also highlight some of the digital opportunities now available.”

The Health in Mind Partnership is funded under the Big Lottery Fund’s Live and Learn programme to work together to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness by improving understanding of mental health.