Wool 4 Health – EWE Foundation

The European Wool Exchange (EWE) through the European WOOL4HEALTH Awards seeks to promote the therapeutic and well-being effects of fibre crafts with natural fibres such as knitting, crocheting, weaving for a good cause.

CHECK THE 2022 EDITION

CHECK THE 2024 EDITION

Participants are invited to create the sensory tools, such as short and long sensory sleeves and sensory mats, as useful items for those in need.

The recipients of the garments will be people with dementia, children with autism, as well as interested organisations that would like to experience the therapeutic benefits of these sensory tools.

Participating harnesses the therapeutic benefits of fibre crafts on a personal level, while creating useful items with natural fibres that serve a societal and charitable purpose. We also wish to give visibility the use of sensory tools and to create an abundance of goods that can be put in use across Europe that can improve the quality of life of many.

What are sensory tools?

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Sensory sleeves are sensory therapy tools designed to provide stimulating and soothing effects.

The elongated sensory sleeves help to occupy dementia patients and stop them from pulling out their IV tubing as it covers up the entry point of the intravenous tube.

Sensory mats provide tactile stimulation and promote sensory exploration, helping to sooth the agitated fidgeting, often associated with dementia and autism. They are a very useful aid in the care of people with neurodegenerative disorders, both at home and in institutions under the supervision of a professional care giver.

The base for any of these sensory tools is a square or rectangle to which colourful items that stimulate the senses are added.

People affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s or stroke can benefit from them or anybody living with autism or ADHD.

The sensory sleeve has been tested in the Community of Madrid through the Alzheimer Center of the Reina Sofía Foundation for older people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (GDS 4-7), who do not have PICA (urge to eat things that are NOT considered food).

According to the study carried out with a sample of 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease, users of the center (80% women, 20% men) and an average age of 75 years, the sensory sleeve is an effective distractor and a stimulating element for the person who uses it, as it especially facilitates conversation, upper limb mobility and sensory stimulation.

Among its benefits we can find they can:

– provide visual, tactile and sensory stimulation, due to their bright colours and different textures;
– keep hands warm and busy at the same time;
– provide comfort and have a calming effect while keeping the mind engaged and decrease in the intensity of restlessness during use;
– stimulate motor and cognitive skills.
– and furthermore, they are a non-pharmacological tool, recognized in clinical practice as an effective complement to medication, without the risk of side effects.

PRACTICAL INFO

Sensory tools are handmade garment of wool and/or other natural fibres made in the shape of:

– a 30cm x 30cm square (sensory sleeve and sensory mat) or
– a 30cm x 60cm rectangle (elongated sensory sleeve).

The square can be kept plain (sensory mat) or sew together on one of its sides, creating a cylinder for the sensory sleeve. For the elongated sleeve sew the longer sides together.

Ideally, combine several types and colours of thread, to give different textures and visual impact to your creation.

* Please do not include wood, ceramic, plastic or glass elements in the design. No beads of any kind, buttons, pompoms or any other small objects that can be torn off are permitted.

The design of each sensory sleeve, elongated sleeve or sensory mat will be unique and gives a lot of creative freedom so that the creator can explore different techniques and try mixtures of material.

Check this tutorial on our youtube channel.

In this contest, there are the following categories:

> Best sensory tools made with 100% European Wool (3);
> Best sensory tools made with natural fibres, other than wool (3).

> Special Award to best sensory tool crafted by men;
> Special Award to the most senior person participating;
> Special Award to the youngest person participating;
> Special Award to the most active country (determined by pro rata of population).

> Public’s Choice Awards / The best sensory tools will be chosen, based on the technique (Crochet, Knitting, Weaving, Felting, Mixed techniques).

Note: one sensory tool can win only one prize.

Prizes

According to the aim of the initiative, all winners will receive a certificate acknowledging their achievement, accompanied by in-kind prizes.

Score calculation

The winner will be chosen according to the following criteria:

– Overall design;
– Originality of theme;
– Creativity of attachments;
– Use of colours.

Extra scores can be gained for using reused fibre and/or leftover fibre, by writing a nice Note to the beneficiary of the sensory tool and by sharing your journey of participating.