Craft club a 'piece of home' for women from Hong Kong

2 hours ago

Andy HowardBristol

News image — Hong Kong nationals living in the UK have made new connections through the Crafting Smiles crocheting group

BBC 12 members of the group stand around a table showing off what they have created, from crocheted children's teddies, to coasters and poppies — Hong Kong nationals living in the UK have made new connections through the Crafting Smiles crocheting group

People who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong say they have found a sense of community and belonging through a crocheting group.

More than 60 people living in the West of England meet at the Crafting Smiles crocheting group in Bristol once a fortnight. The members said it allowed them to make friends and take part in creative projects.

Since it launched in October 2025, the group has grown its membership by 10 times and crocheted Remembrance poppies and baby items for charity.

Group member Joyce Wilmot said the group was like a "piece of home".

Crafting Smiles was launched in Bracknell, Berkshire, to bring together people from Hong Kong - particularly older women - who had moved to the UK and struggled with loneliness.

The initiative has since expanded to more than 50 locations across the country and has more than 1,000 members.

Joyce Wilmot smiles at the camera. She has long dark hair and is dressed in a smart green and white shirt. — Joyce Wilmot has been living in the UK for six years

Wilmot moved to the UK in 2020 with her husband and two daughters after she lost her job as a flight attendant.

"My husband is English so coming back to the UK would be a natural choice - for me, it's a big step leaving my home," she said.

However, she said the crocheting group had changed her life.

"From the moment I stepped foot here a few months ago, I was so happy. I felt like it's being back in Hong Kong.

"I can banter in Cantonese and be with all these lovely Hong Kong ladies who became my new friends, and have found a new interest," she added.

"It's a piece of home, from the emotional side to food we share.

"I go home feeling really happy, really uplifted, after having met up with them."

Three women sit in a row crocheting. They are making red Remembrance poppies and coasters. They are each holding crochet hooks and looking down at their work. — The Crafting Smile movement has more than 1,000 members across the UK

Candy Law set up the Bristol branch of Crafting Smiles, which has drawn in members from Bristol, Bath and Clevedon.

She said more than 60 people were in its WhatsApp group and more than 20 regularly attended the sessions.

"It has really grown," she said.

"Some of the women don't drive, so many of them are picked up by other members on the way."

Rita and Sheren smile at the camera. Sheren, on the right, is wearing round glasses. They both have dark hair and are wearing light coloured shirts. — Rita Cheung and her daughter Sheren Tsoi moved to the UK from Hong Kong in 2021

Rita Cheung and her daughter Sheren Tsoi moved to the UK from Hong Kong in 2021.

Cheung said they made the move for "a new life" with "more space, more freedom and a better future".

Since joining the crocheting group, Cheung said the hobby had given her daughter a new focus, which includes helping to make small crocheted hearts for hospital patients and their families.

"I feel I'm in this place, and that I can contribute something," Cheung said, "I can give more to the local people, it is special."

Since Crafting Smiles was established, its members across the country have created more than 48,000 handmade gifts and raised more than £38,000 for community causes.

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