To say that we’ve had a difficult year with health issues in our family is quite the understatement. Support from family and friends has kept us on an even keel. But getting out to exercise keeps me going, physically and mentally.

I was SEW grateful to be offered Sew Positive charity place for the Cambridge Half. It’ll give me a bit of extra motivation. I'm a late addition to the Running Stitch team, so I'll need to get a wriggle on over the next few weeks!

Sewing is another healthy way to improve mental health. Which is why Sew Positive is such a fabulous charity to support. Their community sewing groups support people facing isolation or mental health difficulties around Cambridge. They provide free workshops for participants including drop-in groups to give skills, aspiration, support and fun while sewcialising, and stitching our communities together.

Ukraine Refugee Antonina, took part in a course saying “I sincerely thank your entire team, because, in fact, I got a lot of pleasure from the Jacobean embroidery process itself, getting to know the technique. And what is more important, it was interesting to meet new people, to communicate in English, which I study in the Regional College, because "People need people"! With your projects, you are doing a great job of improving the mental health, self, and psycho-emotional state of us Ukrainians , who were forced to leave their homes with the war and adapt to life in a new country. I bow to you for your sincerity, kindness and understanding!"