Romsey resident Lisa Backhouse will open the doors of the town’s first inclusive sewing club on May 18, offering a lifeline for those affected by loneliness, unemployment, or chronic pain. Sessions will run every Monday from 10:30am to 1:30pm and every Friday from 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Romsey Abbey Church Hall. Backhouse, 58, said the club is designed for “people of all abilities” and costs £10 per session, which includes refreshments, materials, and encouragement.
Backhouse launched the club after discovering sewing as a therapeutic outlet a decade ago while living in Poole. The craft became a lifeline when she returned to Romsey after divorce, losing her job in hospitality due to rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. “I needed something that could distract me from pain and give me purpose,” she said. The club now offers that same sense of belonging to others navigating isolation or health struggles.
Key Points
- ✅ First session — May 18 at Romsey Abbey Church Hall
- ⚡ Twice-weekly schedule — Mondays 10:30am–1:30pm, Fridays 2:30pm–5:30pm
- 💡 Inclusive fee — £10 per session, includes materials and refreshments
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sewing machines, though a limited number will be available for loan. Projects can range from cushion covers to full garments, and no prior experience is required. Backhouse emphasized the club’s role as a “skills-sharing space,” where beginners learn alongside more experienced sewers. “It’s not about perfection,” she said. “It’s about coming together, learning, and supporting one another.”
💡 Pro Tip
If you’re unsure about bringing your own machine, contact Backhouse in advance—she’ll help arrange a loaner or pair you with someone who can guide you through setup.
The club’s launch follows a surge in Romsey’s community-led initiatives aimed at combating isolation, including art projects and support groups. Backhouse’s vision extends beyond crafting, framing sewing as a form of mental and physical relief. “The rhythmic motion of sewing stitches together more than fabric,” she said. “It stitches people together.”
| Club Feature | Open to All | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sewing machines | Bring your own or borrow | Beginner to advanced |
| Projects | Any—clothing, homeware, crafts | Flexible guidance |
| Cost | £10/session | Includes materials |
Backhouse’s initiative has already drawn interest from local health professionals, who see potential benefits for patients managing stress or pain. Romsey Town Council has informally endorsed the club as part of its broader wellbeing initiatives. “This is exactly the kind of grassroots effort we need,” said a council spokesperson. “It’s accessible, affordable, and addresses real community needs.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 10 years — Backhouse’s experience with sewing as therapy
- 24 sessions/month — Total club meetings across both days
- 15 loaner machines — Available on a first-come, first-served basis
To join or reserve a spot, contact Backhouse at 07510 127788. The club’s first eight weeks will focus on building core skills, with plans to expand into workshops on upcycling and garment repair later this year. “We’re not just making things,” Backhouse said. “We’re making connections.”
- 📊 Therapeutic impact — Sewing can reduce cortisol levels and improve focus in chronic pain patients
- 🔍 Community gap — Romsey lacks low-cost creative social spaces for adults over 40
- ⚠️ Limited slots — Sessions capped at 12 attendees to ensure personalized support
Backhouse’s club arrives as loneliness remains a top health concern among older adults in Hampshire. A 2023 survey by Age UK found that 42% of residents over 65 reported feeling lonely at least once a week. “This isn’t just about stitches,” Backhouse said. “It’s about stitching lives back together.”