Stitchlinks is a UK initiative by way of a website supporting individuals with long term illness, using knitting & stitching. A physiotherapist and practice nurse felt those with chronic illness, like chronic pain need social contact with others in pain, especially if they are isolated at home. As we know, it is difficult for people not in pain to understand the exhaustion and daily struggle that chronic pain brings. The knitting & stitching website also helps with developing an absorbing interest in something again. The anecdotal evidence of the benefits of knitting is that knitting & stitching improves:

• Relaxation by repetitive movements; distraction or focusing attention on an enjoyable activity
• Sense of achievement in learning something new or making something
• Friendship & social contact by having knitting in common
• Motivation – making & creating something useful
• Meditation – calm feelings from the rhythmic movement and cosy feel of wool
• Explore creativity through colour, texture and interweaving
• Self confidence – can achieve goals without being fully fit

Friendships often form when you have something in common with another person & so have an immediate topic of conversation of interest to both parties. Self esteem and confidence grows when you experience the joy of gift giving, especially something handmade. Don’t believe that gen Y won’t be appreciative. Check out the very cool Angus the Fuzmoz, i-pod cover in the patterns & kits section.   
Even though less men knit today, this has not always been the case. In the 17th & 18th centuries men used to knit needing strong & warm woollen garments for fishing or agriculture & it was used to supplement income. During World War II many boys knitted at school and after World War II soldiers were taught to knit to help with their “shell shock.” There are men knitting today, particularly knitting squares for the 1.5 million AIDS orphans.
The Stitchlinks global support network can be found at www.stitchlinks.com