What starts as a simple craft session at Liverpool Women’s Health Centre often becomes the first step towards something much bigger for Women’s Housing Company tenants.

Funded by Women’s Housing Company and hosted at Liverpool Women’s Health Centre, a weekly craft group provides a welcoming space where women can build confidence, form friendships and access support in a way that feels natural and non-threatening. But more than just a creative outlet, the craft group acts as a gateway to connection, community and opportunities that help women move forward.

According to facilitator Debbie, around 80 per cent of the women who attend the craft group go on to connect with other programs and services at the centre, including Pilates, swimming, social groups, counselling and wellbeing supports.

“It takes maybe a month after they join the group to finally have the confidence to go, ‘Oh, what else is there?’. Then if one person goes, another one goes, and it just forms a little community,” Debbie says.

Unravelling at the seams

For Women’s Housing Company tenant Sue, that sense of community arrived when she needed it most.

“I have had the most extraordinary, exciting life and one that has been unique, especially for a woman in the 80s and 90s,” she says. “Always living my life by the seat of my pants. I’m always up for a challenge and always believed that I could do anything with no barriers. I was always a little cheeky, but always happy. I lived my life exactly how I wanted to. I did what I wanted to do, I was free.”

But three years ago, Sue’s life changed dramatically. Health challenges, including severe osteoarthritis and Myasthenia Gravis, forced her to stop working, and she found herself homeless and living with disability.

“I rang a beautiful lady at Women’s Housing Company called Lesley, my case worker, and she helped me get housing and introduce me to the craft group,” Sue continues. “Wow, what a lifesaver. I didn’t think this kind of help existed.”

Since then, the group has become a source of purpose, connection and wellbeing for Sue.

“The craft classes have helped me explore things, get me out of the house and do crafts that I would never have done before. It gives me peace and enables me to think about other things rather than worrying.”

Crafting a new beginning

For Sue and the other tenants who attend, the real impact begins long after the paint has dried and the final stitch is tied off. What starts as a creative activity becomes a source of friendship, support and connection, reminding women they are not facing life’s challenges in isolation.

“Women think they are alone but are surprised when they find out there are other women that share the same problems, and crafting helps to open them up,” Sue share.

Debbie says that’s exactly what the program is designed to achieve but knows the first step is often the hardest.

“You can see the difference the minute they step into this centre,” she says. “At first, it might be scary – it’s your first step. But you come in here and start to connect with people who are like-minded.

“We don’t care where you come from or who you are. We’re doing craft. We become friends on merit, not on everything else that goes around it – not what you’re wearing or what car you drive.

“The whole idea is to come to the centre, build some confidence and then get back out into the community. Join groups here, make connections and slowly transition into other things.”

And Sue has seen firsthand how this support helps women take positive next steps.

“I have now entered into a new chapter in life,” she says. “I’m lucky because I’ve always believed in helping others and that volunteering is the balance to a healthy life.

“Watching women come here and receive support with problems they may be up against is so rewarding. And Debbie is amazing. She is always helping with craft and with priceless knowledge to help all us women move forward.”