Wool for Refugee's Wellbeing

Knitting is not just a simple recreational pastime for the women at Te Ahuru Mowai o Aotearoa - the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Mangere. It is much more. It is a wellbeing activity that helps combat negative feelings and provides hope; it is a way to provide a sense of purpose.

For women at Mangere, who are often parenting alone, there are additional stressors and responsibilities, not only managing childcare without support but facing a new and unknown future in New Zealand. Knitting is the familiar in an unfamiliar world. It is a practical way for mothers, especially, to provide something tangible for their children and families, something that has been difficult if not impossible to achieve for so long. Its impact has been huge during lockdown.

The knitting circle for whanau at TAMA, part of RASNZ's Wellbeing Activities Project, had barely begun when everyone was forced to remain in their own family bubbles. First on the list of boredom busters and stress relievers from residents at Mangere was the request for wool, campus wide. Donations of wool were collected from creative fibre supporters and volunteers and delivered to the centre under strict non-contact protocols but COVID has put a stop to this.

For the women at TAMA knitting provides a sense of purpose as well as familiarity. Wherever there are sheep, women knit and crochet! These are the cultural pastimes of many UNHCR quota refugees. At the Refugee Centre, the knitting circle brings women from many diverse backgrounds together, regardless of language. Women can be part of something and enjoy a sense of belonging without necessarily verbally engaging. Knitting is truly 'mindfulness in action.'