Post by Health Support Services (WA health system)

Meet the Heartists at HSS, a group of crafty employees who, over their lunch breaks, are sharing the love, one stitch at a time. 🧵 💟    Ruth Marshall, Training and Education Consultant, was inspired to form the group at HSS after learning about the 1000 Hearts kindness movement while scrolling on social media.    1000 Hearts was founded by Sarah De Jonge, to create small symbols of kindness and support for people going through difficult times.    In 2024, Ruth began her own project – sewing 120 pocket hearts for all her colleagues in Employee Services for Christmas.    “I will probably be making hearts until I can’t make them anymore – the feeling I get from making them makes me feel so good,” said Ruth.    “To see how people receive them and react to this simple gift is priceless.”    Over time, other employees within HSS like Chenara Braysher, Senior Facilities Officer have also been inspired to join the initiative.    “I have managed to get others in my team to participate in the initiative and it’s really rewarding to help someone who has never sewn or has limited knowledge, reach a level of confidence in their ability to make their own hearts and add them to the collection,” said Chenara.    The group has made pocket hearts for causes like Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Blue Dot Army, who provide valuable services and support for people battling illness.    Another 1000 Hearts recipient is Ruth’s local vet, who gift the pocket hearts to people who have lost their pets.    The Heartists recently sent 133 hearts to the Sir Charles Gairdner Cancer Centre and in the coming weeks, another batch of hearts will be sent to King Edward Memorial Hospital, including their Early Pregnancy Assessment Service and West Wing Clinic.    Katie Bell, Recruitment Consultant, enjoys getting to know people as they craft together.    “It's great to spend some lunchtimes crafting, being creative and connecting with other HSS team members,” said Katie. #HSSImpact #HSSCulture #TheHSSDifference #1000Hearts