The Collaborative Care Small Grants Program is supporting local organisations to bring community-led projects to life, helping strengthen connections and improve health and wellbeing across Leeton.

One of the successful grant recipients is Leeton Shire Library and the Leeton Library Knitters Group, who received funding for their Knitting Together, Connecting Together initiative.

The group recently brought 14 people together for a Knitters and Crocheters Morning Tea, providing a wonderful opportunity to welcome new faces and celebrate the friendships and connections that have developed through their regular gatherings.

The morning encouraged social interaction, helped reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and provided a welcoming space where people could enjoy a cuppa, share stories, learn from one another and feel part of something special.

A particularly heartwarming outcome was welcoming three new members to the group.

One of the new members had never knitted or crocheted before. Having recently retired, she saw this as a wonderful opportunity to gain a new skill, meet people and enjoy some social time.

Seeing her pick up knitting needles and enjoy the morning with others was so rewarding for the group – exactly what they had hoped to achieve through the initiative

Thanks to the grant funding, the group was also able to purchase an incredible 482 balls of wool! This has been a tremendous help, allowing members to continue creating beautiful blankets for local nursing homes, Leeton Hospital and Wrap With Love.

Rachel Cody, who led this initiative, said, "Sometimes something as simple as a cuppa, a friendly conversation and learning a new skill can make a real difference in someone's life.”

The group is incredibly grateful for the funding and the opportunity it has provided to bring people together while continuing to support others in need.