Recovery Pathways launches collaborative sashiko textile project
The Recovery Pathways service, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), has recently launched a collaborative textile project inspired by the sashiko stitch technique.
The aim of the project is to invite individuals from all walks of life, including NHS staff, service users and charitable organisations to experience the therapeutic benefits of mindful stitching.
Led by Mia Nisbet, Wellbeing Arts Tutor at GMMH, the sashiko project is designed to unite people in creativity and connection, promoting mental wellbeing through the shared act of creating something beautiful and meaningful.
Mia said:
“My background in ethical fashion, upcycling and repair has deeply influenced this project. I’m passionate about the environmental and symbolic benefits of repair, which can be a powerful metaphor for personal healing and growth.
“Through my wellbeing textile sessions at Recovery Pathways, I’ve seen firsthand how engaging in these activities brings positivity and a sense of accomplishment to the participants. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the service user community inspired me to expand this approach through the sashiko project.
“Having worked for a Japanese denim brand, I developed a personal affinity for the sashiko technique. Sashiko is an ancient Japanese stitching method known for its meditative and reparative qualities. It’s not just about mending fabric, it’s about reinforcing and adding beauty to the worn parts, which is a powerful metaphor for our life stories. This project highlights how recovery and healing can transform into a beautiful journey of newfound strength and resilience.
"The combined installation of sashiko samples will symbolise strength, unity, and the power of collective effort. It will visually represent the importance of community and connection, showcasing how diverse backgrounds and experiences can come together to create something truly inspiring.
"This piece will be a testament to inclusion and diversity, reaching out to people of all different cultures, ethnicities, and social classes, and emphasising the beauty of coming together.”
Mia will be running some pilot sessions to introduce the project over the next few months. The first session took place at Age UK at Brunswick Village.
The session was well attended, and the feedback expressed comments about how relaxing and focusing the stitching activity was. Participants will continue to meet weekly to continue their textile patches.
To find out more about the project and how to get involved, please contact mia.nisbet@gmmh.nhs.uk
For more information about Recovery Pathways, visit: Recovery Pathways | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
Watch the short video below to learn more about the sashiko project from Mia:
