Galgorm Collection backs Ballymena knitters to bring warmth to Antrim Hospital’s tiniest patients

Galgorm Collection is donating funding to Braidwater Seniors to enable them to knit hats and blankets for babies in Antrim Area Hospital. Tara Moore, third from left, Associate Director of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection and Julie Elliott, nurse practitioner at Antrim Area Hospital are pictured with members of Braidwater Seniors.     

A group of Ballymena knitters are preparing to spend the coming months crafting tiny hats and blankets for newborn babies in hospital — a small act of care that can make a huge difference for families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Members of Braidwater Seniors, based in the Harryville area of the town, have received a funding boost from Galgorm Collection that will help them continue their long-standing support for the Neonatal Unit at Antrim Area Hospital.

The funding will allow the group to purchase additional wool so they can produce more handmade items for premature and vulnerable babies receiving specialist care.

Established to help tackle isolation and loneliness among older people living in the Harryville area, Braidwater Seniors has grown into a group with a strong sense of purpose and community impact.

Around 20 members currently take part, regularly donating knitted clothing to the hospital approximately three times each year.

For members, the project is about more than knitting — it is about connection, community, and helping others.

“There are approximately 20 members in our group, and we been donating to the hospital for a number of years now,” said Lily Patterson from Braidwater Seniors.

“The group was set up to help tackle loneliness and to help those struggling with isolation to socialise and make new friends. It makes us very proud to know that we’ve not only achieved that but we’re also supporting local families and their babies which means so much to everyone here.”

Braidwater Seniors are set to continue knitting hats and blankets for babies in Antrim Area Hospital following a funding boost from Galgorm Collection that will be used to purchase additional wool. Pictured are, from left, Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection, Lily Patterson, Braidwater Seniors and Julie Elliott, a nurse practitioner at Antrim Area Hospital.

The donations play a vital role within the Neonatal Unit, where premature and unwell newborns often require additional warmth and careful monitoring as they transition out of incubators.

Julie Elliott, a nurse practitioner in the neonatal unit at Antrim Area Hospital, said the handmade clothing is an essential support for the unit.

“Some of the babies that we treat in the neonatal unit are extremely small,” Julie explained.

“As the babies move from an incubator to a cot, we need to ensure that their body temperature is regulated, and this is where the donations of hats and blankets from the Braidwater Seniors are so important.

“Some babies could have as many as four blankets wrapped around them at a time as well as a hat. The work of the Braidwater Seniors is making a huge difference to these children and their families, especially at a time when many are so vulnerable. We’re very grateful to the organisation and are looking forward to receiving even more donations thanks to the additional funding from Galgorm Collection.”

The initiative is also part of Galgorm Collection’s wider approach to community support, reflecting the hospitality group’s continued investment in local projects and organisations.

Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection, said the company was proud to support the work of the Ballymena group.

“At Galgorm Collection, we are dedicated to supporting a range of community projects that are helping to create meaningful change, and this is no different,” Tara added.

“The Braidwater Seniors are making a tangible impact on local families, and we are proud to contribute towards their excellent initiative. Projects like this echo our ethos of supporting organisations that help to strengthen our communities, even the very youngest amongst us. Well done to Braidwater Seniors, keep up the brilliant work!”

Galgorm Collection is a major local employer and has significantly expanded its hospitality footprint and workforce over the past decade. Alongside that growth, the company says it remains committed to supporting initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits within local communities.

For the knitters of Harryville, the coming months will now bring the familiar rhythm of needles and wool — each stitch helping to provide warmth, comfort and reassurance for babies and families at Antrim Area Hospital.

At a glance

• Braidwater Seniors in Harryville, Ballymena have received funding from Galgorm Collection to support their knitting project for neonatal babies.

• The group produces handmade hats and blankets for the Neonatal Unit at Antrim Area Hospital.

• Around 20 members take part, donating knitted clothing to the hospital approximately three times each year.

• The funding will allow the group to purchase additional wool and increase the number of items they can produce.

• Hospital staff say the donations help regulate the body temperature of premature and vulnerable newborn babies.

• The group was originally established to tackle loneliness and isolation among older residents in the Harryville area.

• Galgorm Collection says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting local community projects.