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ѿý,5 mins

Isolation and loneliness - the symbolism behind a giant blanket created for Comic Relief

Steve Harris

Available for over a year

Gillingham in north Dorset is looking to build on the success of its eye-catching achievements over comic relief weekend. The local community was tasked to help cover the Town Meadow in 6 inch knitted squares to form the biggest ‘blanket’ ever made in Dorset – “Hanky Blanky on the Town Meadow!” Thanks to the sterling efforts of nurseries, care home residents, dozens of volunteers, and families, the final blanket comprised of 4,000 squares and 710 pom-poms, and ended up being 70 square metres. But this was about far more than a big blanket - some of those that helped create the blanket have experienced isolation in lockdown. 95 year old Jean lives alone in Gillingham and Annie also lives on her own in the north Dorset town - they told ѿý Radio Solent they've both faced different challenges over the past 12 months. Gillingham social prescriber Liz Rose who spent 39 years as a community mental health nurse also talked with presenter Steve Harris about the challenges of isolation for people during lockdown, and reflected on the success of the community event for Comic Relief.

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