Resthaven clients embark on a new hobby

Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services ‘social group’ participants, who gather every third Wednesday from 1-3pm at 15B James Street, Mount Gambier, have been working hard on a new craft hobby.

‘This social group began over a year and a half ago, once Resthaven Limestone Community Services expanded their services by opening the Mount Gambier community site,’ says Limestone Coast Community Services Coordinator, Stacey Lowndes.

‘The group was instantly a success, with clients taking part in a variety of crafts over the months such as Easter crafts, Mother’s Day cards, Christmas crafts and tie rugs to name a few.’

On average, between six to ten clients – both men and women – attend each session, not only working on craft projects but also participating in fun activities suggested by the group.

‘We like to mix it up, so when we aren’t working on a project, we play games such as bingo, Jenga, Uno and jigsaw puzzles.’

‘Often when there are enough male clients, the group separate – the men play games such as Crib, while the ladies have their “secret lady business!”’

‘In June, the social group have been busy focusing on their diamond paintings, a new craft hobby that mixes Paint by Numbers and Cross Stitch.’

‘All clients need is a blank canvas, adding thousands of tiny resin diamantes and adhesive glue to bring their vision to life – the result being a colourful, shimmery painting of their choosing.’

‘We have all thoroughly enjoyed learning this new technique – just have a look at what some clients produced!’

‘We look forward to continuing with the social group and coming up with new and fun ways for clients to express their creativity, all while combating social isolation.’

Limestone Coast Community Services clients also have another social group

Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.

Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.