RESIDENTS from across the area, including those from Midsomer Norton and Radstock, came together around Market Cross in Shepton Mallet to support SWEDA.

For more than 30 years, the local charity has been providing vital help for people of all ages affected by eating disorders.

With numbers rising and more people than ever requiring their services — which includes a children and young people service — knitters, crocheters and creative artists of all kinds took part in their new project to shine a light on the charity.

As many of their clients take comfort in creativity on their road to recovery, SWEDA set up ‘The Great Make’, designed to encourage as many people as possible to make something new.

In May, Art Bank hosted a fundraising event with music and crochet taking place at the same time, aiming to create a community scarf. This event included workshops from Nicky Jerrome, who runs All About The Yarn in Chesterblade Hills. Gill, a member of a weekly ‘Crochet & Chat’ group, made more than 60 granny squares, with other community groups and individuals rallying round to add to the collection.

Wrapping the finished creation around Market Cross enabled the people of Shepton to see the detailed handiwork on display and to find out more about SWEDA’s work in the community. Council members Lorna Muffett, Becky Kingston-Wood and Claire Commons were on hand to help make it possible.

Fundraising Manager Gavin Osborn said “Despite having the highest mortality rate of any mental health illness, conversations around eating disorders are often ignored. We are thrilled that so many people embraced this project, which enables us to talk about SWEDA and the support we offer to vulnerable people across the South West”.

To find out more, go to www.swedauk.org