Natasha first came to our craft sessions as a participant, but she now volunteers for us and sometimes writes articles about our work too. Here's a snippet from her latest piece of writing. Keep an eye out for this article in Harrogate newspapers!
"I cannot believe that in 2016 people with any form of disability are made to feel worthless and face discrimination on a daily basis. With the Olympics and Paralympics still fresh in our minds, we should now hope that people with all forms of disability, whether it's mental, physical, or emotional, get recognised with their own rights, and are given the recognition they all deserve, whether they are famous or not.
My name is Natasha, I have epilepsy and a form of dyslexia. On the outside, I look like an everyday person. Alas, I sometimes have problems fitting into society. I have been known to get strange looks when I show the conductor my bus pass. Some get really big eyes when I say, “Oh mine is a Disabled pass....” "But what is wrong with you?”, they all think. “You don't look disabled.”
I am a very creative, people person, who loves to make things, help others to learn new skills and make craft goods. Not having all the skills, space, or equipment myself, I am honoured to be able to volunteer for Craft Aid International. It's one of the only places I feel accepted.
At the beginning of the craft classes, everyone bustles around, helping to unload the car, and set up the equipment. Then we have a brief meeting about what we are making today, and if needed, we’re given instructions on how to make the items. Then once all the participants have arrived, the fun begins! And we get to choose one of up to four different crafts. We make greetings cards, flower brooches, mosaics, jewellery, marbled paper and more. At the moment, we are making Christmas goods!
My name is Natasha, I have epilepsy and a form of dyslexia. On the outside, I look like an everyday person. Alas, I sometimes have problems fitting into society. I have been known to get strange looks when I show the conductor my bus pass. Some get really big eyes when I say, “Oh mine is a Disabled pass....” "But what is wrong with you?”, they all think. “You don't look disabled.”
I am a very creative, people person, who loves to make things, help others to learn new skills and make craft goods. Not having all the skills, space, or equipment myself, I am honoured to be able to volunteer for Craft Aid International. It's one of the only places I feel accepted.
At the beginning of the craft classes, everyone bustles around, helping to unload the car, and set up the equipment. Then we have a brief meeting about what we are making today, and if needed, we’re given instructions on how to make the items. Then once all the participants have arrived, the fun begins! And we get to choose one of up to four different crafts. We make greetings cards, flower brooches, mosaics, jewellery, marbled paper and more. At the moment, we are making Christmas goods!
100% of all the money raised goes straight back to the charity. The craft classes are free of charge, with a break half way through, for a cosy chat, drink, cake or biscuit, sometimes even a homemade one!
We are now very excited about our biggest event of the year, the Knitting and Stitching Show, (24- 27th November), which is being held at the Harrogate International Centre. The stall will be run by volunteers and the disabled participants, giving them the amazing opportunity to meet and greet visitors, and take part in the event. Also it gives everyone the perfect opportunity to meet our participant and get to know a little about them. Then they can get a true sight of what Craft Aid International is all about. They’ll get to see some of the goods that we make, and the story behind them.
We are now very excited about our biggest event of the year, the Knitting and Stitching Show, (24- 27th November), which is being held at the Harrogate International Centre. The stall will be run by volunteers and the disabled participants, giving them the amazing opportunity to meet and greet visitors, and take part in the event. Also it gives everyone the perfect opportunity to meet our participant and get to know a little about them. Then they can get a true sight of what Craft Aid International is all about. They’ll get to see some of the goods that we make, and the story behind them.
 | At our stall, you’ll see our stunning handmade Christmas cards, snow flake craft packs, Christmas garlands, alongside our all-year-round goodies: a wide range of greeting cards, packs of marbled paper shapes and felt flowers. Then there will be Peru goods, including handmade jewellery, beads made out of cereal boxes, a wide range of greeting cards, Peruvian fabrics, and cushions made with traditional Peruvian material. |
We will also have lots of different wools, and with the help of our friendly volunteers, you will have a chance to make your very own funky Pom-Pom. All we ask is a small donation, and for you to remember us, and tell all your friends about us! We look, forward to seeing you there to share in our excitement!"
You can read the full article here.
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